William A. Fassbender

NEWCASTLE, Wyo. - William A. Fassbender was born November 27, 1930 at Deadwood, South Dakota to Josef M. and Magnelinia Fassbender. His earthly journey ended September 27, 2007 at Weston County Health Services following a lengthy battle with systemic amyloidosis. Bill graduated from Spearfish High School. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree at Black Hills State University and a Master of Science Degree in Physics and Chemistry at the University of Wyoming. Bill married JoAnn Denny of Newcastle on November 21, 1954. Bill was a loving husband, companion and friend. They enjoyed sharing their life together for 52 plus years. Bill began teaching in Newcastle in January of 1953 and retired in May of 1991. Bill attended many workshops at the University of Wyoming, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and Black Hills State University. For two summers he taught at the University of Wyoming's Science Camp at Trail Lake. He delivered lectures over the VERB system to Carbon County schools through the University of Wyoming. Bill served on three evaluation teams for the North Central Evaluation Committee. He was instrumental in starting Science Fairs in northeastern Wyoming. Bill sponsored two students to the International Science Fair and had one student named Honorable Mention in the National Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Bill received the Outstanding High School Teacher Award, presented by the Wyoming Section of the American Chemical Society; the Outstanding Service Award, presented by the Wyoming Math-Science Teachers Association; a Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Newcastle Jaycees; and Honorable Mention for Excellence In the Teaching of Physics, presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers. Bill was twice honored as Teacher of the Year by the Newcastle Education Association and was also selected by Newcastle High School staff as the Outstanding High School Teacher of the year. Bill always considered himself very fortunate to have taught in such a good educational environment. He was very proud of his students and took great pride in following their accomplishments. Bill enjoyed working with wood and each Christmas made ornaments for all of the family. He was very precise and talented in his work and painting and created many beautiful and treasured family keepsakes. Bill was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church; the Newcastle Lions Club and at the present time was serving on the Tree Board. He served ten years as Councilman for the City of Newcastle. He enjoyed gardening and photography, was an avid fan of the Newcastle Dogies, Wyoming Cowboys and Denver Broncos. Bill very much enjoyed meeting with the gang at Donna's every morning for coffee. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, a sister Julia and two brothers George and Henry. Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife JoAnn, a sister Betty Johnson, sister-in-law Arlene Denny; step-sister-in-law Betty Henderson (Jalene and Jennifer); brother-in-law George Denny (Mary); nephews Paul Fassbender (Chris Kuntz), Lloyd Denny and Marian (Allison and Steven); nieces Carol Sprigler and Tom, Debra Samo and Art (Lauren and Kristen), Cindy Newell and Andy; Lori Denny-Collamer and Mike (Paul and Lindy); great-nieces Lisa Condon and Rob (Zachary, Sean and Taylor), Julianne Zoller and Chris (Cody, Norah and Ava Marie); great-nephews Mark Sprigler and Denelle (Michael, Chelsea and Rose), Tommy Sprigler and Sally (Tessa, Jobi and Madeline) and numerous cousins. Bill is also survived by many special friends with whom he enjoyed playing bridge, poker, traveling and visiting. Bill was a role model to be looked up to and lived a life of faith. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bill felt that the citizens of Newcastle are some of the best people on earth and felt fortunate to have spent his life in such a wonderful community. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 10:00 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Father Phil Wagner and Deacon Ken Pitlick as celebrants. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle. Recitation of The Rosary will be Monday, October 1, 2007 at 7:00 pm at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. The family would appreciate memorial contributions in Bill's honor to the School District #1 Foundation Fund Fassbender Teacher's Scholarship.