William J. "Willie" Van Asselt

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William John Van Asselt was born on November 10, 1927 on a farm southwest of Colton, SD to Art and Sena (Gelderman) Van Asselt. He graduated from Colton High School in 1946. He worked as a carpenter until 1948 and then partnered with his Dad at Van Asselt Produce. On December 7, 1950 he was drafted into the army. There, he served a tour of duty in Korea, being discharged in September of 1952; he returned to the business at that time. In 1960, Willie sold the business to the Colton Farmers Elevator and went to work for them as the Manager. In the early 1970’s, he left the Elevator to farm fulltime. He loved the farm life and continued to help out on the farm for the remainder of his life.

Willie was very active in the community and served on several boards and committees. He was a member of the Colton Legion, serving 61 years. Willie was instrumental in developing the Veterans Memorial in Colton and was also a lifelong member of the VFW.

He was active on the Colton and Tri-Valley school boards, Lions Club, Colton Commercial Club, Colton Fire Department for 27 years and Community Housing for 48 years.

Willie was a member of First Lutheran Church in Colton and served for many years on the Minnehaha Cemetery board.

He married Ramona Clauson on October 18, 1953. They celebrated 61 years together. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, camping, traveling and spending winters at their Arizona home.

Willie passed away on December 13, 2014 at his home at the age of 87.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Ramona Van Asselt, Colton; his children, Rhonda (Dave) Anderson, Sioux Falls, SD; Mark (Peg) Van Asselt, Colton SD; Mary (Mike) Will, Colton SD; Tom Van Asselt, Colton, SD; 10 grandchildren, Heidi (Justin) Heckenlaible, Kristi (Steve) Cott, Alicia Anderson, Brady, Brittany and Taylor Will, Austin, Alex, Tanner and Derek Van Asselt; and 4 great grandchildren, Trey Heckenlaible, Paige Walker, Jackson and William Cott, and a sister, Marge Hinde, Tucson, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his brother, William John (in infancy) and daughter-in-law, Darla Van Asselt.

Visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 beginning at 5 PM with family present at 6 PM and “Time of Sharing” at 7 PM. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 18, 2014 at First Lutheran Church, Colton. Burial will be in the Minnehaha Cemetery with Military Rites by the Sioux Falls VFW.