Susan VanTassel

Susan VanTassel, age 67, of Ottumwa, South Dakota, died on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Susan Kay Alber was born on February 28, 1958 to Harold and Myrtis (Nissen) Alber in Red Cloud, Nebraska. She attended high school in Bladen, Nebraska. After high school, she attended college at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where she solidified her love of the Nebraska Huskers. She started her career in teaching at rural schools in the Nebraska Sand Hills. She eventually took a job teaching at a school in Belvidere, SD. In 1987, she began teaching at Ottumwa Rural School where she met Steve, who she would marry June 10, 1988. Between 1992 and 1995, three children were welcomed into the family, Michelle, LaRae, and Ryan. Her kids were her pride and joy. Everything she did, she did for her children. She did her best to ensure her children were given as many opportunities and experiences as possible. Over the years, she had many jobs where she developed lifelong friends and connections. In 2021, she retired from teaching after 30+ years, her last school being Cheyenne-Eagle Butte where she spent 17 years. This started her second lease on life.
The impending arrival of her first grandchild sparked her new wellness journey and rekindled her passion for creating. Gardening, crafting, painting, scrapbooking, and travelling were some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She spent many hours on these activities where she made many connections and new friends, and influenced people through the US. People were always amazed by her skill for artistry when they would see her work. One of her favorite trips was an opportunity she had to travel to Tanzania and Kenya with her friend Dawn. She always had a smile on her face and spread joy everywhere she went. She never let life drag her down, no matter how hard it was. Her life revolved around her grandsons, and they were her pride and joy. She loved being a Grammy more than anything in the world.
Susan is survived by her husband Steve VanTassel of Ottumwa, SD; children: Michelle VanTassel of Columbus, GA, Ryan VanTassel of Ottumwa, SD, and LaRae (Tyler) Jacob of Rapid City, SD; two grandchildren, David and Benjamin Jacob; three grand-dogs, Thor, Jax, and Stella; special cousin Glenda (Jerry) Shaw; and numerous family and friends she considered family.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Myrtis Alber, one sister Jolene Alber, and in-laws Walter and Joann VanTassel.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to 21308 238th Avenue Midland, SD 57552.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Fine Arts Building in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
A private family interment will be held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.