Michael "Mike" Wassel

Michael "Mike" Wassel, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on January 23, 2026, at his home in Robinson, Illinois, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on April 9, 1945, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Mike was a beacon of love and intelligence whose kind spirit touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Mike was the beloved son of the late Benedict B. "Ben" and Marguerite E. (Thompson) Wassel. He grew up in a nurturing home that laid the foundation for his compassionate nature. Mike attended Blackhawk High School in southern Vigo County, Indiana, which later was consolidated into Honey Creek High School. After graduating high school in 1963, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, which instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty that he carried throughout his life. After serving in the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Thailand, Mike attended Indiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Upon completing his education, Mike found employment with Marathon Oil Company in the laboratory at their refinery in Robinson, where he worked for over 40 years.

At Marathon, Mike met his future wife, Susan M. Larsson. They married on September 10, 1977, and together they built a life founded in faith and love. Their family grew to include daughter Erica, and her husband, Austin Trusty, along with his cherished grandsons, Mason and Miles Trusty, daughter Paige Wassel, and son Ben Wassel and his wife Kailey.

Mike is survived by his siblings, Paul (Linda) Wassel and Mary Beth (Rob) Eberwein, as well as by his sister-in-law, Debbie (Kasey) Krantz, brother-in-law, Andy (Sheila) Larsson and sister-in-law, Audrey (Jon) Larsson. He was a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mike into eternity were his parents, his brother Steve and sister-in-law Joyce, his brother-in-law Jon, and Susan's parents, Bob and Nancy Larsson.

A man of faith, Mike was an active member of his Christian community, his convictions made evident in the way he lived his life, embodying servant leadership. Mike was an Elder and pre-school Sunday School teacher at Highland Church of Christ in Robinson for over 40 years. He also served as Treasurer and School Board member for New Hebron Christian School for more than 45 years.

Mike loved following and participating in sports of all kinds, playing fast-pitch softball and church league basketball. His passion for sports led him to coach youth soccer and Robinson Summer League Baseball programs, as well as basketball at New Hebron Christian School, where he influenced many young lives. Mike had an extraordinary memory for player statistics and remarkable games, especially for his favorite teams, which included the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Indiana Hoosiers. In his free time, he loved spending time outdoors, marveling at the beauty in creation around him.

Those who knew Mike will remember him as an encouraging, intelligent, and kind man, who led by quiet example and inspired others with his legacy of service.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Church of Christ in Robinson, Illinois, with Pastor Mark Weber and Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. Interment will follow funeral services in Tohill Cemetery, Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, Illinois. Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Highland Church of Christ in Robinson, IL.

The Wassel family would like to thank Tammy Cherry, RN, Hospice Nurse, and Jessica Spivey, Certified Nursing Assistant, as well as other supporting members of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice staff, for the many hours of their time and genuine outpouring of love and concern for Mike in his final days. The family is also grateful for the many prayers, calls, cards, and gifts of food that were provided by their school and church community.

The family suggests memorials be made to New Hebron Christian School, 10755 E. 700th Ave., Robinson, Illinois 62454 or to Highland Church of Christ with envelopes available at the church and Pulliam Funeral Home.