Joann Van Tassel

Joann Van Tassel, age 89, of Midland, South Dakota, died Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip.
Joann Darlene Van Tassel was born on July 15, 1933, the youngest of four children born to Vern and Eloise (Bradley) Walker. She grew up on a farm near Ogallala, Nebraska. She attended rural country school through the 8th grade and then graduated from Ogallala High School in 1950.
As a young lady she helped her father and Uncle Earl Walker with their custom farming and combining and always took pride in the fact she could drive tractors and caterpillars. It was during one of those trips north into South Dakota that she met the love of her life Walter “Junior” Van Tassel. They were married October 26, 1952 and lived their entire life on the farm near Ottumwa, South Dakota. Walter and she established quite the seed business.
Joann enjoyed doing all types of crafts, but particularly liked wood burning. She was a member of the Ottumwa Ladies Extension Club and held many offices at the local and county levels. Later she was a member of the Tea Timers Club from Philip and enjoyed helping with the blood drives she sponsored.
Walter and Joann took many trips together, including a trip to China. She enjoyed sharing the photos of their adventures with everyone.
Joann is survived by her children: Steven (Susan) Van Tassel, Sandra (Dennis) Heaton, Linda (Ted) Clavel, and James (Brenda) Van Tassel; grandchildren: Terri (Jeff) Staben, Gina (Brian) Steinlicht, Jesse (Natalie) Heaton, Brady (Jennifer) Clavel, Krista (Tony) Brown, Michelle Van Tassel, LaRae (Tyler) Jacob, and Ryan Van Tassel; great-grandchildren: Michael Steinlicht, Megan Steinlicht, Erika Steinlicht, Leah Staben, Zoe Staben, Noah Heaton, Charlotte Heaton, and David Jacob; her sister Janet Schroder; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joann was preceded in death by her husband Walter Van Tassel; her parents; and siblings and in-laws: Vern and Eloise Walker, special Uncle Earl Walker, Robert Walker, Frieda Walker, Jean Walker Abrams, Jack Abrams, Fern Konst, and William Lee.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, at United Church in Philip.
Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 40 Philip, SD 57567.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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