In Loving Memory
Janice Kassel
December 2, 1930 - September 19, 2020

Janice's service will be livestreamed on the Martin-Mattice Facebook page.

VISITATION
Saturday, September 26, 2020
9:00 - 10:00 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, September 26, 2020
10:00 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Hojin Shin

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Saturday, September 26, 2020
11:00 A.M.
Silver Lake Cemetery
Ayrshire, Iowa

Dorothy Janice Wilson was born in Blockton, Iowa, on December 2, 1930, to Charles George Wilson and Bernice Petrie Wilson. She grew up in New Market, Iowa, and attended school there, K-12, graduating as valedictorian in 1949. She attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, where she met and married Kenneth Kassel on December 16, 1951, at the Collegiate United Methodist Church. Janice passed into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at the age of 89.

This union produced four children:

David Kenneth Kassel (Cindy), Ayrshire, IA
Paul Charles Kassel (Julie), Spencer, IA
James Petrie Kassel (Patti), Louisville, KY
Karen Kassel Hutto, Duluth, GA

12 grandchildren: To David & Cindy Kassel: Heidi (Scott) Fritz, Minneapolis, MN; Anne (Bill) Holmquist, Minneapolis, MN; Katie Kassel, Kansas City, MO. To Paul & Julie Kassel: Cale (Katie) Kassel, Omaha, NE; Brant (Lynn) Kassel, Des Moines, IA; Jill (Will) Leach, Kansas City, MO. To Jim & Patti Kassel: Courtney Kassel, Nashville, TN; Jordan (Hope) Kassel, Pasadena, CA; Margaret Kassel, Louisville, KY. To Karen Kassel Hutto and Joey Hutto: Nathan Hutto, Athens, GA; Andrew Hutto, Nashville, TN; Samuel Hutto, Duluth, GA. 6 great-grandchildren: Mason Fritz (Scott & Heidi Fritz); Luke and Lauren Holmquist (Bill & Anne Holmquist); Elliott & Hazel Kassel (Brant & Lynn Kassel); and Ruby Kassel (Cale & Katie Kassel).

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Bernice Wilson, sister Portia Wilson Pershing, brother Dean Wilson, niece Stephanie Pershing Lewis and daughter-in-law Cindy Hurley Kassel.

Janice Wilson was born in Blockton, Iowa, where her parents owned a grain elevator. This business failed due to drought and the Depression. A Sinclair oil dealership opened up in New Market, and the family moved there in 1935. Charles began by running a services station and delivering fuel to farmers. This business grew to include bottled propane and kitchen ranges, followed by fuel transports to supply other dealers. This became the New Market Oil Company. The movie theatre was a side business, managed by Janice's mother, Bernice. Charles and Dean ran the projector, Bernice sold tickets, and Janice and Portia made and sold popcorn for Wednesday and Saturday "picture show" nights.

Janice attended school in New Market K-12, graduating as valedictorian in 1949. She attended Iowa State College, studying home economics. She met Kenneth Kassel at a social held at the Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames and they were married there on December 16, 1951.

The couple started married life in Storm Lake, where Ken worked for DeKalb Agriculture Association at the seed corn plant there. He was then sent to Monmouth, Illinois, to that seed corn plant. David was born there. Ken was then transferred to the company's main office in DeKalb, IL, to work in advertising. Paul and Jim were born there. An opportunity to farm came up and the family moved to Emmetsburg. They later settled at the home farm near Ayrshire. Karen was born there.

Janice was a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and leader. As a farm wife, she excelled at taking care of the family, kept the books, and managed the home, inside and out. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress and gardener. Flowers were always a passion and it was normal to plant 100 tulip bulbs every fall. She joined Garden Club in 1970, which held a special place in her heart.

She served her church in many capacities, including Sunday School teacher, choir member and District UMW officer. She was a regular leader of the local Silver Lake Wide Awakes 4-H club and supported many sports and music activities at school as her kids grew up.

During their years on the farm, family life centered around the Ayrshire school and Methodist Church. When Janice and Ken moved to Emmetsburg in 1999, they made the change to the Emmetsburg UMC and school, continuing their support in that community. They enjoyed living across the street from Five Island Lake and evening boat rides. They loved to travel and took many special trips, but always enjoyed returning home. Janice added PEO to her list of involvements, a sisterhood she dearly treasured. Staunch fans of the Emmetsburg E'Hawks, she and Ken attended many EHS football and basketball games. Janice especially loved the show choir events and never missed one, if she could help it. In later years, Janice's coffee group provided another source of friendship, fun, and support. The bakery and country club often heard their stories and laughter.

Janice enjoyed her family most of all, making holidays, birthdays, outings and vacations fun and memorable for her children and their families. Nothing made her happier than when everyone was home together. Writing came naturally to Janice and she wrote articles for various publications. After moving to Emmetsburg, she was invited to write and present meditations for the "Christian Woman Speaks" radio program on KICD, a service she did for many years. In 2018, she wrote and published her own memoir, And Many Thanks , which showcases her life as a farm wife with stories and meditations. Her desire was to leave behind a written legacy of love and gratitude to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

All four children graduated from Ayrshire Consolidated School and from Iowa State University. After college graduation, David returned home to farm. He manages the family farm, other farms and his own hog business. Paul earned a master's degree in Agronomy and has worked as an ISU Extension crop production specialist for many years. He also farms in the Spencer area. Jim earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and runs his own counseling practice in Louisville. Karen earned her degree in journalism and mass communications and has spent most of her career working for Primerica in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a professional writer and has co-authored two books.

Janice was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all. She indeed has left a legacy of love for all of us to follow.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home