Jeanette Van Tassel

Jeanette Marie Van Tassel, of Jefferson, formerly of Sibley, was born to Bernard and Helen Feldhacker on Sept. 6, 1931, in Crofton, Neb.

Jeanette passed away on March 19 at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, at age 87.

Rosary will be held at 11 a.m. April 6 in the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home with Kari Northeim, leader. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by Father John Gerald at noon April 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jefferson, with readers Becca Dinslage, Sam Dinslage   and Dylan Northeim; presentation of gifts by Nick Dinslage and Brooke Northeim.  

Casket bearers will be Kari Northeim, Katie Lynn Dinslage, James Truckenmiller, Norman Manken III, Heather Manken, Jeremiah Manken, Jacob Manken, Heidi Manken, Sebastian Van Tassel, Bianca Bakkar and Andre Bakkar.

Music will be provided by soloist Sheilah Pound and accompanist Lois Last; special music will be “On Eagle’s Wings.”

Immediately following the service please join the family for a meal in the St. Joseph Parish Center.

A private family burial will be in Hersey Cemetery, Brewster, Minn.

Jeanette was the eldest of 12 children, and grew up in the Catholic faith. After graduating from Whiting High School, Jeanette was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Van Tassel on Sept. 9, 1949. To this union, five children were born.

After purchasing the cabin in Minnesota, they spent many years enjoying “the good life” at Lake Shetek. Jeanette enjoyed reeling in the big one and still retains the title “Fastest Fish Cleaner Known to Man!” All were welcomed at the cabin. For more than a decade, various family members enjoyed Lake Michigan fishing trips. Her brown trout is still the largest ever caught by the group.  

Jeanette enjoyed helping the Sibley Cub Scouts, and received Scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award. Later in life, she was active helping at the Sibley Dinner Date where she taught chair aerobics. Jeanette moved to Jefferson in June 2017.

Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others enjoyed receiving her beautiful crocheted afghans, knitted quilts and an unbelievable assortment of uniquely handcrafted items. Her hands were always busy making cherished items.

In 2007, Jeanette and family members took an extensive driving exploration of Canada and Alaska. They have shared many great stories.

She was a faithful pen pal who loved to write back any time she received your correspondence. Get-togethers and family reunions were an important part of Jeanette’s life. She was extremely independent and self-reliant, even at the age of 87.

Those left to cherish Jeanette in their memories are her children: Linda (Doug) Truckenmiller, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Rich Van Tassel, Spirit Lake; Roger (Debra) Van Tassel, Eden Prairie, Minn.; Vicki (Norman Jr.) Manken, Ogden, and Randy (Jody) Van Tassel, Middleton, Wis.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kari (Justin) Northeim and Dylan and Brooke; Katie (Matthew) Dinslage and Becca, Sam and Nick; James Truckenmiller and Gavin; Norman Manken III and Norman IV; Heather Manken; Jeremiah (Jessica) Manken and Madilyn; Jacob (Amy) Manken and Emmett; Heidi Manken (Kalen); Sebastian Van Tassel; Bianca Bakkar; and Andre Bakkar; eight siblings:  Ralph Feldhacker (Barb); Lucille Tuel; Phyllis Lowe (Donnie); Amy (Virgil) Heidebrink; Ken (Margaret) Feldhacker; Stanley (Ann) Feldhacker; Elaine Hines; and Wayne (Alicia) Feldhacker; and many other relatives and friends.  

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Dick; two brothers: Melvin and Francis Feldhacker; one sister, Cindy Ray; four grandchildren: Melissa, Stephanie and Tiphanie Manken, and Adam Bakkar.