Daniel Van Tassel

July 27, 1952 - December 17, 2016

Daniel Gilbert Van Tassel died peacefully in his home in Tampa, FL at the age of 64. He was soon to retire with plans to spend part of his time in a mountain cabin he hoped to buy in Colorado.

Dan was born in Craig, CO to Gilbert and Alice (Kawcak) Van Tassel, the second of seven children. In 1957, the family moved to a ranch three miles outside Collbran, CO where he spent the next 11 years thoroughly enjoying everything ranch life in a picturesque mountain valley had to offer. The family moved to Grand Junction, CO in 1968. He graduated from Central High School where he was active in basketball, then going on a scholarship to play at Cloud County Junior College in Concordia, KS. He went on to graduate from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

His family remembers Dan as a lover of pro-rodeo, until recently attending the national finals each year in Las Vegas. He was a Kansas State fan through and through. He loved playing golf and was an avid spectator of many sports. He had a dry and fun sense of humor and could make you laugh with just a simple facial expression. He loved family. Upon the death of his father in 1991, Dan held himself responsible for his mother and was a devoted and cherished son, giving more than most could or would give to make her life comfortable. His family and many friends and colleagues remember him lovingly as loyal and kind.

Dan was a dedicated employee who was always willing to share his knowledge to help others be successful. He always listened and taught, not only in his profession, but in all aspects of his life. He lived in Lawrence, KS for a while, then settled in Council Grove, KS for several years. He later moved to Tampa, FL in 1993, where he enjoyed the warm weather and his new position with Hayward Baker.

Dan is survived by his siblings, Kathy Hawkins (Tom, deceased) of Grand Junction, CO; Karen Waggoner (James) of

Greeley, CO; Kristine Robledo (Ron) of Lakewood, CO; Darrell Van Tassel (Sharon) of Chandler, AZ; Karyl Van Tassel off Sugar Land, TX and Derek Van Tassel (Mary Kaye) of Lakewood, CO; his 14 nieces and nephews who adored him; and 11 great nieces and nephews who he adored. In addition, he is survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Alice Van Tassel, of Grand

Junction, CO.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 14, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Junction, CO, then inurnment at Calvary Cemetery on Orchard Mesa. A meal/reception will follow at St. Joseph's Parish Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dan's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Cloud County Community College Foundation attn: Rodeo Club 2221 Campus Dr. Concordia, KS 66901.

We would like to express our gratitude to Dan's housekeeper and friend. She was so kind and caring. That means so much to us.