Edward Assell

Edward W. Assell, age 77, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2011, at his home in Hackensack. Ed was born April 17, 1934, in Aurora, Illinois, to Bernard V. and Marie (Wirth) Assell, the youngest of nine children. In 1952, he graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL. After graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corp and proudly served in the Korean War. In 1956 he went to work for Thor Power Tools. It was there he met and fell in love with Mary Lou Schuning. They married on June 29, 1957. Ed went to work for his father-in-law, Walt Schuning, as a plumber's apprentice. He completed his education at the Plumber and Pipe Fitters Union Local #319 in Aurora, IL, and received his Master Plumber's License. He worked on numerous houses, apartment buildings, the Sears Tower and at National Accelerator Laboratory (FERMI-LAB) in and around the Chicago area. In 1973, Ed, Mary Lou, Jeff and Terri moved to Hackensack, MN, where he owned and operated Ed's Plumbing and Heating. In 1977, he went to work for the State of Minnesota until his retirement in 1996.

Ed was an avid sports fan. He rarely missed a Twins, Notre Dame or Vikings game. His passion for fishing was like no other. He began fishing at a very young age by the river with a cane pole. He also enjoyed taking fishing trips to Minnesota before moving there. He taught his kids, grandkids, nephews, brothers-in-law and anyone who got in the boat how to cast, troll or straight-line for walleyes. He loved eating them as much as he did catching them. His grandsons would keep him supplied with walleyes to eat when he was no longer able to get out on the lake. Above all, he loved his wife, kids and family. He beamed when the family would get together for holidays, birthdays or family reunions. It was so fun listening to him tell the stories of growing up with 5 older brothers and 3 older sisters, the nuns that taught at Marmion, and playing baseball and marbles when he was a kid. Although he worked hard all of his life, he always found time for family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ed is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Lou (Schuning) Assell of Hackensack; son, Jeffrey Asell of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Terri Tysver (Dennis) of Akeley; grandchildren: Brent Asell of Walker, Grant Asell of Walker, Amy Asell of Bemidji, Jaclyn Asell of Walker, Kyle Tysver of Akeley, Derek Tysver of Akeley; great grandson, Myles Tysver; brother, Charles Assell (Rose) of Lady Lake, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Karen Assell; infant granddaughter, Alysha Asell, his parents, Bernard and Marie Assell; brothers: Albert Assell (Gloria), Bernard Assell (Jean), Robert Assell (Gladys), and Fredrick Assell; sisters: Dorothy Gould (William), Helen Schweisthal (Albert), Florence Kartheiser (Elmer "Muzz"); nieces: Linda Kartheiser, Caroline Schweisthal and Coletta Schweisthal.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. A private family service will be held.