Don Hasson

Don Hasson, 89, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 21 at 5:00 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be Friday, June 20 from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, June 23 at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel. A live stream of Don's Funeral Mass can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@MitchellCatholicParishes/streams Don George Hasson was born September 19, 1935, in Sioux Falls, SD, and was adopted as an infant by Howard and Charlotte Hasson of Elk Point. He graduated from Elk Point High School in 1954, where he loved sports, and went on to earn a degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. Don began his career at three Minneapolis funeral homes before returning to South Dakota. On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Avis Ann Beavers, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson, SD. Early in their marriage, Don completed his apprenticeship at Martz Funeral Home in LeRoy, MN. In 1959, they moved to Beresford, SD, where Don worked for Wass Funeral Homes in Beresford and Centerville. In 1964, Don and Avis purchased the Mehlhaff Funeral Home in Parkston, SD, where they raised their three children: Mikel, Patrick, and Julie. After 26 years serving the Parkston community, Don retired, and he and Avis moved to their cherished lake home in Mitchell. Don was deeply involved in his profession, serving in every office of the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association, including President (1983–84), and received his 65-year membership pin in May 2025. He compiled and edited the South Dakota Funeral Service and History Book, published in 1987. Don was an honorary life member of the Parkston Knights of Columbus (serving as financial secretary for three years), a 25-year member of the Mitchell Elks Club, and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He was also a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the North American Hunting Club. After retiring in 1990, Don cherished time spent hunting, fishing, golfing, and boating with family and friends around Lake Mitchell. In 1993, he and Avis became "snowbirds," spending 27 winters in South Padre Island, Texas, where they made lifelong friends and enjoyed golfing, beach walks, and dancing together. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Avis; sons Mikel (Noel, MO) and Patrick (Carol, Spearfish, SD); daughter Julie (Joe) Krall (Mitchell, SD); five grandchildren: Aaron Hasson, Sarah Crouch, Jon Hasson, Maria Krall, and Ryan Krall; two great-grandchildren: Gavin and Mikayla Hasson; one great-step-granddaughter, Vivian; and one great-great-granddaughter, Evanora Hasson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandson, Erich Hasson. Don's devotion to family, friends, and community leaves a lasting legacy and many cherished memories, he will be greatly missed.