Eugene “Gene” Adolph Hassel was born on April 3, 1931, to Adolph and Lucille Hassel in Larimore, ND, and passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, at the age of 93.
In his youth, Gene loved spending summers farming with his uncle, Hans Wangen. After serving in the Air Force, he was united in marriage to Beverly Hassel on November 25, 1955, in Grand Forks, ND. In 1960, they moved to Sioux Falls, where they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished traditions. One of their greatest joys was their annual camping and fishing trips to Park Rapids, MN, where they created countless memories together. He worked for many years selling equipment and confinement buildings to farmers throughout South Dakota.
Above all, Gene was devoted to his family. He was highly involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always showing up for their events and activities with pride and unwavering support. Known as “Gramps” to those who loved him most, he was tremendously proud of his grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. His kindhearted, selfless nature left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Gene was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan with a deep love for golf, hunting, and fishing—passions he passed down through generations.
Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Greg Hassel, and his wife, Jeanne, of Sioux Falls, SD; his daughter, Deb Keenan of Lincoln, NE; and his seven grandchildren: Jared Keenan, Jeremy Keenan, Claire Hassel, Joslyn Keenan, Anna (Jake) Smith, Jennifer (Trey) Lansman, and Maria Hassel, along with four great-grandchildren: Jadyn, Adley, Weston, and Lauren. In his later years, he was blessed with the companionship of his dear friend, Elaine Peterson.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly; his son-in-law, Mark, who has surely already dealt him into a game of pinochle; and other cherished family members who welcomed him home with open arms.
Celebrate a life well-lived with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.