1925
2013
Donald Edward Sassen, 87, of Ventura, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away Monday, April 15, 2013, surrounded by family. Don was born in Grand Island, Neb., to Edward and Elsie Sassen on September 16, 1925. He moved with his young family to Ventura in 1956, where he was employed in the sheet metal industry and a 50 year member of the Sheet Metal Union. Upon arriving in Ventura the family became parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ventura. He was St. Bonaventure High School's first PTA President. In the past he held the office of President of the Men's Club at Buenaventura Golf Course. Don was quite proud that he could still golf with a score near his age. He was also a member of the Ventura Elks Club.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy. He is survived by three sons, Douglas (Cynthia) Sassen of Ventura, Richard (Yvonne) Sassen of Ventura, Daniel (Donna) Sassen of Nampa, Idaho; brother of Jim (Rose) Sassen of Grand Island, Neb., and Agnes (Jerry) Whitefoot of Santa Barbara; he leaves a score of nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who were happy to greet Don with giggles and smiles. The family is grateful to Dr. Mansour and staff for their exceptional care and attention given to Don during his illness. Don possessed the rare ability to fix just about anything. If you said you were going to replace something, he would step in and repair the object back to its original state. He was truly one of a kind husband, father, grandpa, and friend to everyone he met. His generosity and presence will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Visitation Friday, April 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, 757 E. Main Street Ventura with a Rosary in the Funeral Home at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ventura. Burial immediately following at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard. www.reardonfuneral.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dearest Family of Uncle Don,
Our "Uncle Don" was truly a blessing in our lives. We are so saddened to have lost him. He was the only Uncle who ever picked up the phone to call and just chat, or send me an email, or spend time with us whenever he came to Nebraska. I will treasure the time we spent in CA with both Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Don....and family. Gordy wishes he could golf with him one more time. I will always remember his great words of wisdom, his stories of a kid and how he met Aunt Dorothy.....now they can both visit with my parents who, I am sure, are thrilled to see him. God Bless you all.
Marge Tyma Ockinga
April 23, 2013
Dear Don's family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Don will long be remembered by all who know him.
To me he was like the brother I never had.
May the good lord bless his soul and bless you all.
Bob Baker
April 21, 2013
May God continue to provide you grace though out this next phase of your life. And May he bless the family who loved you so much, and whom you loved in return.
Pris and John Richards
April 20, 2013
I WILL MISS GRANPA SASSEN SO MUCH. HE WAS SO HELPFUL TO ALL, HONEST TO THE MARROW OF HIS BONES, A NATURAL TEACHER, NEVER A QUITER, A GIVER OF HIMSELF AND A LOVING PERSON. I TRULY LOVE YOU DON SASSEN. KISS AND HUG GRANDMA DOTTIE FOR ME. MAY YOUR WISDOM AND KINDNESS LIVE ON THROUGH ALL HEARTS YOU'VE TOUCHED. LOVE YOU FOREVER, PATTY SASSEN.............
April 20, 2013
Grandpa you will be missed so very much!! You taught me a lot !! I know you have a smile on your face being with grandma again<3
Jahna
April 19, 2013
One of my favorite patients! I will miss him making me laugh. I know he is giving Jesus huge smiles. Blessings to your family.
Shannon Dullam
April 19, 2013
Don will be greatly missed in our neighborhood. Dottie and Don were the best neighbors to have living across the street from us. They were always willing to lend a hand and give you a cheerful wave coming and going. The Lefors Family send their prayers and thoughts to the extended Sassen family as they mourn and remember Don. God Bless you all.
Louise, Adele & Dale Lefors
April 19, 2013
Ben and Andy I'm sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I used to visit your grandparents with you and your mom when you were little boys in Ventura. Love Laurinda
Laurinda
April 19, 2013
Sorry we can't attend the services, but Janice and I will be out of town this weekend. Our condolences to the family for the loss of your father. We're certain you have much to remember and celebrate about his life. Memories can be relived for a very long time.
Jim and Janice Susha
April 18, 2013
RIP Grandpa Don! We love you and will miss your sweet face and gentle hugs.
Shell Mercurio
April 18, 2013
I have known the Sassen family for many years, which is a blessing for me. I so enjoyed coming to your house and visiting with Dottie while you played golf, we had so much fun. I am sure going to miss seeing you at the Elks with your family for Taco Tues. We are going to miss our Brother Elk. Rest in peace, now you are with Dottie, which makes the hurt better, knowing that you two are together again.
April 18, 2013
Sassen Family,
One of the finest gentleman I have ever known.I'll miss his wisdom on the golf course. "Cobey, if I want any... out of you, I'll kick it out of you!" Rest in peace my friend. I'll miss you.
Bill Cobey
April 18, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Sassen family - I've met a few of you on taco night at the lodge. I'll miss seeing you Don, but you are now with sweet Dottie, the two sweethearts, together again in everlasting life/love. Sleep, my Elk Brother, and peace be with you.
Grace Vega
April 18, 2013
Words can't describe the kind of grandpa you were. Our love for you is never ending, just as your love for us has always been. We will miss you, but are comforted knowing Grandma welcomed you with a honeydew list.
Summer
April 18, 2013
I'll miss my golfing buddy - one of the best and kindest men I've ever known.
My condolences to Don's family - you were the biggest part of his life and it was obvious that he received lots of love and care from you. God bless you all.
Mike Higgins
April 18, 2013
Dad, you will be missed so much down here on earth but you finally reached you final destination. Give Mom a great big hug and kiss for me. There's one thing I know for sure, that if there were any squeaks in St. Peter's gates before they're not there now because you'll take care of it before you walk through. Rest in peace Pops.
Danny
Danny Sassen
April 18, 2013
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