Harry F. Dassler

1925 - 2014

Dassler, Harry F.

Harry Frederick Dassler, 89, of Rothschild, WI, died March 20, 2014 peacefully at his home.

He was born in the Town of Weston, the fifth of eight children born to Max Dassler and Frieda (Hummel) Dassler. He grew up on the family farm, learning the value of hard work and frugality, traits which served him admirably his entire life. He joined the United States army during WWII, serving on the Pacific front, and was honorably discharged. He married Audrey (Messerknecht) Dassler, his loyal, dedicated, and loving partner on July 23, 1949 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Schofield, WI. Harry worked for LignoTech for 39 years, in various capacities as a laborer, and was also a self-taught electrician. Harry wired many houses to provide additional income for his family. In 1976 Harry and Audrey purchased property on Manitowish Lake on the Manitiowish Chain of Lakes, and their summer retreat was a source of joy and pleasure that he generously shared with the entire family. The cottage was the venue for many celebrations, such as family reunions and milestone anniversaries.

After retirement, his service in the army was recently recognized when he participated in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, April 18, 2011. Harry was never one to sit idle. He was always engaged in some activity or another, whether it was hunting, fishing, ice fishing, working on machinery, cutting wood, or just puttering in his garage. He was the handy man to call for home improvements. He enjoyed playing sheephead, dancing, being with his family and friends at their cottage and traveling with his wife Audrey, and sisters and brothers-in-law Caroline and Darrel Brunner and Edna and Joe Zadra. He was involved with his church, Peace United Church of Christ, for many years.

Harry will be greatly missed by many. He shared his wisdom and knowledge in unassuming ways. He was friendly, out-going, and a great conversationalist. His presence filled the room. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a gracious and generous host. If you were a guest of his, you had a drink in your hand and food on your plate. He was an abundantly generous man.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey (Messerknecht) Dassler of Rothschild, WI, 2 sons, Ronald Dassler (Mary) in Ringle, WI and Max Dassler (Julie) Shawano. WI, 2 daughters, Connie Knospe (George) Merrill, WI and Kathy Dassler Oguss (Don Dewes) of Indianapolis, IN, 2 sisters, Caroline Brunner of Minneapolis, MN and Edna Zadra (Joe) of West Bend, WI, 10 grandchildren,12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Art, Otto, and Oscar, three sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Jacobson, Elsie Ramthum, and Doris Schave, brothers-in-law, Harold Jacobson, Darroll Brunner, and Gene Ramthum, Robert Schave, and Robert Messerknecht.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Peace United Church of Christ, 1530 Grand Avenue, Schofield. Rev. Larry Treece will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, March 24 at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI 54476 and on Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.

Condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com

Audrey Dassler and the family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice Comfort Care for their tender care for Harry and support for his loved ones during this very difficult time.