Jeanette Marie Van Tassel

September 6, 1931 - March 19, 2019

Jeanette Van Tassel Jefferson, Iowa; formerly of Sibley, IA Date of Death: March 19, 2019 Funeral services for Jeanette Van Tassel, 87, of Jefferson, IA, will be held at 12 noon Saturday, April 6, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 501 North Chestnut Street, Jefferson, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00am – 11:30am Saturday, April 6 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, 119 West Lincoln Way, Jefferson, IA. Private family interment will be at Hershey Cemetery, Brewster, Minnesota. Jeanette Marie Van Tassel, Jefferson, Iowa, formerly of Sibley, Iowa, was born to Bernard and Helen Feldhacker on September 6, 1931 in Crofton, Nebraska. She was the eldest of twelve children, and grew up in the Catholic faith. After graduating from Whiting High School, Jeanette was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Van Tassel on September 9, 1949. To this union, five children were born. After purchasing the cabin in Minnesota, they spent many years enjoying “the good life” at Lake Shetek. Jeanette enjoyed reeling in the big one and still retains the title “Fastest Fish Cleaner Known to Man!” All were welcomed at the cabin. For more than a decade, various family members enjoyed Lake Michigan fishing trips. Her brown trout is still the largest ever caught by the group. She enjoyed helping the Sibley Cub Scouts, and received Scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award. Later in life, she was active helping at the Sibley Dinner Date where she taught chair aerobics. Jeanette moved to Jefferson, Iowa in June 2017. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others enjoyed receiving her beautiful crocheted afghans, knitted quilts and an unbelievable assortment of uniquely hand crafted items. Her hands were always busy making cherished items. In 2007, Jeanette and family members took an extensive driving exploration of Canada and Alaska. They have shared many great stories. She was a faithful pen pal who loved to write back any time she received your correspondence. Get-togethers and family reunions were an important part of Jeanette’s life. She was extremely independent and self-reliant, even at the age of 87. Jeanette passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa. Those left to cherish Jeanette in their memories are her children: Linda (Doug) Truckenmiller, Sioux Falls, SD; Rich Van Tassel, Spirit Lake, IA; Roger (Debra) Van Tassel, Eden Prairie, MN; Vicki (Norman, Jr.) Manken, Ogden, IA and Randy (Jody) Van Tassel, Middleton, WI; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kari (Justin) Northeim and Dylan and Brooke; Katie (Matthew)Dinslage and Becca, Sam, and Nick; James Truckenmiller and Gavin; Norman Manken III and Norman IV; Heather Manken; Jeremiah (Jessica) Manken and Madilyn; Jacob (Amy) Manken and Emmett; Heidi Manken (Kalen); Sebastian Van Tassel; Bianca Bakkar; and Andre’ Bakkar; eight siblings: Ralph Feldhacker (Barb); Lucille Tuel; Phyllis Lowe (Donnie); Amy (Virgil) Heidebrink; Ken (Margaret) Feldhacker; Stanley (Ann) Feldhacker; Elaine Hines; and Wayne (Alicia) Feldhacker; and many other relatives and friends. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Dick; two brothers: Melvin and Francis Feldhacker; one sister, Cindy Ray; four grandchildren: Melissa, Stephanie, and Tiphanie Manken, and Adam Bakkar. Memorials are suggested to the Cub Scouts. Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, IA 515-386-2171