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Robert Cassens Obituary
June 10, 1937 - December 26, 2024
Dr. Robert (Bob) Cassens, a distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on December 26, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Dessa Trautwein Cassens in 2013. Robert is survived by two children, Martha Elise Cassens of Chicago, Illinois, Martin Edward Cassens (Kristen Luoma Cassens) and one granddaughter Madelyn Grace Cassens of Girdwood, Alaska, and one brother Daniel Cassens (Victoria Cassens) of West Lafayette, Indiana.
Born on June 10, 1937, in Morrison, Illinois, Robert's formative years were spent on the family livestock and grain farm, where he developed a profound appreciation for agriculture and animal science. His parents, Ludwig "Mike" and Ethel Cassens, nurtured his innate curiosity and work ethic, encouraging him to pursue higher education and scientific exploration. Robert attended Dixon High School where he excelled in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and participated in church baseball. During high school he met his wife, Dessa. He valued a sense of family throughout his life, often welcoming friends, and students into his home.
Robert was recognized for his exceptional contributions to science, education, and the meat industry. Those who worked with Robert Cassens considered it a special privilege. Bob Cassens went from a farm kid from Illinois to become an internationally recognized meat scientist.
Robert enjoyed attending church, gardening, antiquing, dancing, fishing, and hunting. He was an active member of GYRO, the Pelican Isle Yacht Club, and Pewter Collectors Club of America and Europe. Robert especially loved spending time with Dessa and their family. They delighted in traveling the world, visiting friends, researching genealogy records of family, farms, homes, and churches.
Funeral services will be held on January 6th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting prior to the service at Sugar Grove Church in Dixon, Il, with Pastor Anthony Windau officiating. Burial will follow in Palmyra Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.thejonesfh.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army or Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cassens
Sponsored by Jones Funeral Home - Dixon.
3 Entries
Lynne Krainer
January 9, 2025
Life shared with the Cassens family has been a privilege. We send our love to Martha and Martin from the Krainer family.
Julio F. Chaves
January 6, 2025
A good friend of Costa Rica meat processing industry.
Rest in peace
Bill Pope
January 3, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family. May the promises and love of Christ sustain you.
Dr. Cassens was my academic advisor at the UW. Although I knew him socially because my father was on the faculty with him. He was a thoughtful and delightful mentor to visit with. His guidance and encouragement kept with me for a number of years after graduation. I thought of him often after I eventually became an advisor in the Department of Animal Sciences at OSU.
I proudly remember how my Meats colleagues, in the department, would keep me appraised of Bob's notoriety in their scientific discipline.
What a neat man!
Bill Pope
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