Walter "Walt" Van Asselt

1938 - 2025

Walter "Walt" Van Asselt

August 28, 1938 - October 15, 2025

Gladstone, Missouri - Walter "Walt" Van Asselt, a respected public administrator and devoted family man, died peacefully at his home in Gladstone on October 15, 2025 at the age of 87.

Born in Zeeland, Michigan, Van Asselt graduated from Zeeland High School before attending the University of Michigan, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. He later completed a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas.

Van Asselt's career reflected a deep commitment to public service. After beginning as a Budget Officer, he became Assistant City Manager of Kansas City, Missouri. Next, he served for twelve years as County Administrator for Clay County, making him the first professional county administrator in the state of Missouri. He later worked as a Director for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and then as Finance Director for Jackson County, Missouri. In the private sector, he worked for family-owned businesses in Michigan and Kansas and went on to serve as Business Manager of the McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips law firm in Kansas City, Kansas, for more than a decade, before retiring in 2007.

Though his professional colleagues knew him as Walt, family and close friends knew him best as "Mick." The nickname, given to him in childhood by his grandmother after Mickey Mouse, reflected the warmth and playfulness that shaped his personal life. To his nieces, he was "a true Renaissance Man"-a fitting description for someone with so many talents, interests, and passions.

Family was central to Van Asselt's life. He was a devoted father to his four sons and a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to talk about their achievements, whether in school, sports, or beyond, and his phone calls with them were a highlight of his later years. Their love and admiration for "Grandpa Walt" brought him great joy, especially during special gatherings such as his surprise birthday celebration in 2024.

Curiosity and a love of learning defined Van Asselt's life. A lifelong reader with a particular interest in history, especially the Civil War and World Wars I and II. He was known to begin conversations with "I just found out…" He maintained a deep connection to his Zeeland roots, returning often and engaging in spirited conversations about the town's history with his high school classmate, Jack Van Eden, and family.

Sports were another passion. He was a dedicated University of Michigan fan and a lifelong supporter of the Detroit Tigers. Friends and family marveled at his encyclopedic memory for Tigers' rosters across the decades. His perspective on sports mirrored his outlook on life-optimistic, resilient, and grounded: "There is always another time."

In retirement, Van Asselt immersed himself in hobbies and pursuits that reflected his creativity and curiosity. He carved wooden ducks, crafted stained glass ornaments, baked bread, and prepared traditional Dutch recipes. He enjoyed canning and collecting Fostoria glassware. Music was also a part of his life, and he often played the piano at home. One of his most meaningful projects was tracing his family ancestry back six generations, which led him on two research trips to the Netherlands to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors.

His friendships were enduring and deeply valued. For decades he met weekly with former colleagues, Tom Edgerton, Jim Rice, and Bob Hurst as the "Geezers Breakfast Club," where conversations ranged from local government to books and family. He maintained close ties with lifelong friends, including his law school roommate Carl Bernstein, with whom he made annual pilgrimages to Ann Arbor for Michigan football games. There were duck hunting and fishing outings with buddies Harold Howard, Ed Bauman, and Del Sanders. Mick and Del continued their mushroom hunting trips, and he delighted in staying connected through phone calls and visits with relatives and old friends.

Van Asselt will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, and ability to combine strong opinions with genuine respect for others. He listened carefully, debated thoughtfully, and encouraged those around him to do the same. Above all, he was a man devoted to his family, proud of his heritage, and grateful for a life well lived.

He is survived by sons, Dirck (Maureen), Robb (Kate), John, and Bill (Gwen), and by ten grandchildren: Flynn, Carlin, Henry, Liam, Maeve, Maille, Isabella, Jacob, Willem and Alyda. He leaves behind extended family, many friends, and colleagues who will miss his insight, generosity, and warmth.

All are welcome to celebrate his life on October 26, 2025, at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119, with visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and memorial service at 2:00 PM.

A private family burial will be held in Zeeland, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice, www.kchospice.org.