Fred was a cheerful, kind, and unselfish person. He will be missed. May God comfort and strengthen his family and friends.

I enjoyed working with Fred a t the Theatre Guild. We did many good shows together there. He was a mentor to all o us. He will be missed.

Thank you Mr. Wassel for your insight and guidance. I enjoyed the time I had working with you as a Class Sponsor and advocate for your students. You were loved by the New Berlin community because of the passion you brought to your class room and students. Your spirit still carries in the halls of NBHS, and will continue to bless all you have touched. Peace be with you!

My sincere hearfelt condolences to the Wassell family.   I have struggled to find the words since hearing of his passing. Mr. Wassell was more than my high school choir teacher. He and I shared a very special bond that has carried on for over 30 years. I was fortunate enough the have lunch with him a few years ago and see him throughout all these years. I am grateful for that last lunch together.   Mr. Wassell....thank you for believing in me my Freshman year and helping me find my voice. I was so scared to sing classical music, but you believed in me, you made me believe in myself.  Thank you for being there with open arms as you stood in the doorway as I fell apart during a duet at IHSA ensemble contest. I still remember crying because I messed up so badly and you said " Don't worry about it, you got a Superior rating on your solo". Thank you for all the before school and after school coaching for Solo/Ensemble because I was a perfectionist and so were you.  Thank you for going above and beyond to get me to school my Senior year. I don't know any other teacher who dedicated himself to his students as you did.  Thank you for your joyful spirit, that pep in your step, your humor, your caring soul, always lending a smile, for your wisdom on life and for caring so much for a young kid like me who just wanted to sing.   I am so incredibly grateful for you, but I think you already knew that. I will always cherish our bond. Je T'aime Monsieur Wassell!

RIP Fred, you were a wonderful teacher a no nonsense teacher while teaching. But always a smile and fun guy. We'll never know how many high school basketball games he kept score for. His activities away from NBHS in a choir or a play were immeasurable. Some may not know that he was also quite a historian and worked in certain cabins at New Salem State park during "spring and summer". He is an icon forever at NBHS. He sang at many weddings including ours. I'll always consider it being an honor and a blessing to have his guidance as a teacher and friend at NBHS. I'll miss seeing you at the class reunion Fred. May you sing your best song and preform you best play in Heaven. Rest In Peace Mr. Wassel. Jim Trimble Class of 65

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Wassell, when he cast me as Philia in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" at Jacksonville Theater Guild in 1980...what an awesome experience! Thank you for the laughs, the lessons and the love you showed. I'm sure you're singing in Heaven's Choir and having sooo much fun!! You were a real life "Mr. Holland" to hundreds of us!! We are blessed to have had you in our lives...You will be missed!!!

To the family of Fred James Wassell, I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy,

I had the pleasure of taking care of Fred after his heart surgery and as a patient in our cardiac rehab program. He was a delightful man and I often used him as an example to motivate my younger patients. He never gave up and put great effort into his workouts. I also loved hearing his stories about Caesar and LOVED his mustang! Much sympathy to you all.

Mr. Wassell was an excellent teacher, but most importantly he was a great friend. I was saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Mr. Wassell.  Norm Casson, NBHS Class of ‘89

He had the most "children" of any man I know, for his students were like his own children, he was a wonderful teacher. He helped me learn to love science and listen to classical music. I hope God's Choir of Angels sings Handel's Messiah as St. Peter opens the Pearly Gates to welcome Mr. Fred Wassell home.

Mr. Wassell’s Biology and Botany classes were my favorite. He always had an answer for everything, and a story to tell. May his legacy live on in New Berlin and in all our hearts.

I work at Troxell Insurance and have spoken to Fred many times. I remember his excitement of his new Ford Mustang when he purchased it this past June. He will be sadly missed. My sympathies to his family.

Rich and I met Fred a couple years ago when he joined the St. Joseph choir. We were not aware of his history as a great teacher and friend to his students. What a wonderful man, his life was well lived and from reading the comments from his previous students he contributed a wonderful educational experience to many young people, both in traditional subjects and the arts. I am so glad I was able to know this wonderful man if only for a short time. Loved reading all the stories from his former students. Rest in Peace our fellow St. Joseph choir member with the coolest cars!.

So sorry for the loss of Mr Wassell. I had him for choir all 4 yrs of high school. Was a great guy. I had seen Mr Wassell last fall at the Springfield clinic West building. He did not see me and I did not go over to talk to him. Wish I did. When I was still working and on my way to work in Springfield a lot of times would see Mr Wassell cause when I seen his license plate I knew it was him. His birthday was the day before my mom's so they wished each other happy birthday since my mom was a cook at the high school in New Berlin. RIP Mr Wassell

Smooth sailing my friend. Sails are up and the wind is at your back.

Fred was a special friend to the Goulet family. He will be missed by all of us.

He was a great teacher. I loved being in his class.

My memories of Mr. Wassell are endless... I would sit in my mom’s office at the high school everyday after school while she finished up her work, and Mr. Wassell would always manage to slip me a piece of candy while doing so. I could not wait to be his student and he surely did not disappoint. Botany being my absolute favorite class. He always managed to make a rather dry subject intriguing. He also didn’t put up with “nonsense” yet everyone adored and respected him. He had a real zest for life, and a contagious positive energy that will never be forgotten. A true Pretzel icon! Rest peacefully, Mr. Wassell.

After singing in St Josephs choir, you can now sing in God's heavenly choir. Rest in peace Fred

Fred Wassell was a wonderful teacher, a great coach and a good friend to me and my entire family. Deeply caring, tons of fun, and genuinely interested in the people he nurtured. I knew him from a very young age to now, and I am part of a very large group that can say the same. Kudos to a life lived well! Godspeed, Fred.

Mr. Wassell played a part...in the best years of our lives...His nurturing..classy...caring...and gentlemanly way...helped us all become who we are today...Who among us can't still smell the formaldehyde oozing from those stiff cats...in the biology lab...or the old upstairs choir loft...in the high school...His dedication to the vocation he loved...was beyond bounds..and even now I can still see that smile....He made us better...pushed us harder...and gave us the gift of music..a gift to last a lifetime...Sympathy and peace to his family and friends...xoxoxo ❤

My condolences to Fred's family; I had the pleasure of singing with him in choruses for many years.

Mr Wassell was a true Renaissance Man, recongnized as a great teacher in 1967 when he was selected as Illinois Teacher of the Year. In the middle 60’s he added Fencing Coach to his resume, somehow convincing the New Berlin High Scool Administration to let him start a Fencing team. In one truly memorable moment, he decided the set of one of the class plays needed a large bull moose head, so after fencing practice one cold winter night, he drove a couple of us to a farmer’s house south of Loami. He took a very large mounted Bull Moose head down from over the fireplace, loaded it into his car (which we could because it was a Convertible), and then we drove back to the high school with a moose head protruding from the top of the car! Oh, did I mention it was zero degrees outside? It benefited us greatly to have you for a teacher, coach, and director of choir, plays and musicals.

Fred's Spirit shall always be with Us. When Your telling Your Children or Friends and Love Ones about Fred teaching You in school. He'll be there listening.  Enjoy Your Life in Spirit, Mr. Fred Wassell

Our sympathies to the family. My late mother (Esther Pillischafske Bridges) was a long-time friend of Mr. W, performing in musicals and choirs with him during their junior college days. He was a legend.. we were fortunate to have him as a teacher.

You were a bright spot for me at NBHS, Mr. Wassell! ... You convinced me that I could harmonize and sing beautifully… A delusion I continue to believe… Thank you.

Mr. Wassell was a wonderful coach, drama instructor, choir director, teacher and mentor. He enjoyed teaching. You could tell. He worked hard to get a point across. He made learning fun. Always a smile and even a laugh. His students have loss a great friend. We all gave great memories to share with each other.  My sincere condolences to his family, coworkers and his students. Rest in Peace Mr. Wassel

Mr Wassell was one of my favorite teachers he was always encourageing and a lot of fun. He was also so caring.God Bless and Rest in peace.

Mr. Wassell was a wonderful person. He made the children he taught feel special about themselves and was always polite and courteous. He will always be remembered with fondness. Thank you Mr. Wassell , may your rest in peace. Our condolences to his family.

This man was a wonderful teacher. I have so many memories from French class to biology class. I'm so glad I saw you few weeks back. You will be missed dearly. Rest in Peace.

What an awesome man! And a great teacher!

Mr Wassell dedicated his life to teaching others and it was not missed by his students. His enthusiasm was contagious. I loved having him for French. He had a great sense of humor and had a great number of stories to pass on to us. We appreciate all you did for us Mr Wassell. Enjoy that Corvette in the sky!!

He was teaching back in the 1950s and already had a great reputation among the students. He has gone to meet his Master and his reward for living a life of caring and giving.

In the 90s we would look up at the class pictures in the halls and see Mr. Wassel's picture up there way back in the 50s and wonder just how old he was! I'll always remember the play I performed in, he was such a great director. There were a few people who did not know their lines well so Mr. Wassel layed down behind the prop sofa for the entire play and would whisper the lines when someone got stuck! Such a great teacher! So many great memories of him. Rest in peace.

My sympathy to the family. Mr. Wassell was one of a kind. He was always ready with a smile or word of encouragement. In choir, he made us want to do our best because his enthusiasm was contagious. He will be missed.

R.I.P. Mr. Wassell You put so much melody into so many lives! Yours was a life well lived, you made a difference

Sincerest condolences, Mr Wassell was the smartest teacher I ever knew.

I was blessed to be a student of his. Loved singing and playing piano in choir and his Biology class too. He was always so funny and energetic. Great teacher. Great man. My sympathies to the family and friends.

I’ll always have great memories of his biology class. He inspired me to get into the medical field through his teachings. Mr Wassell was a firm yet fair teacher, always taking the time to help you when he saw you struggling. Rest In Peace Mr. Wassell. NBHS was all the better for having you there for us all.

This man is an icon! I first met him back in the 80's when I moved to Loami. I learned very quickly that he was intelligent, funny, talented and unique! He challenged you in some way each time you met and always left you with a smile. Rest in Peace Mr. Wassel!

Mr. Wassell taught many of my science classes. Pretzels ‘83! He was very personable and caring and had a wonderful impact on generations of students. He was a staple at New Berlin High School. He was also my “goto” for college recommendations. :) Mr. Wassell even taught both of my parents! Life very well lived! Rest peacefully Mr. Wassell. xoxo

My deepest condolences to Mr. Wassell's family.  I first met him back in the late 1950's when he would come to Loami Grade School for music classes. I was also in the choir for 4 years at NBHS in the 1960's. I remember him as being a very enthusiastic teacher and I had great respect for him. May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of Mr.Wassell’s passing.He was a great teacher.Fly high Mr Wassell!

Mr. Wassell was the one teacher at New Berlin that made school fun and that everyone loved. I will never forget how incredibly intelligent he was, and everyone loved seeing him pull up every morning in his Corvette! You will never be forgotten Mr. Wassell, your students truly admired you.

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Wassell’s passing. He was a good man and a great teacher. He did make learning fun.

Truly sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Wassell. He was definitely a one of a kind man and the best teacher ever. Fly high Mr. Wassell you will be missed deeply!

To the family of “Mr” Wassell, later knowing him as Fred, saddened to read of his passing. As an alumni of NBHS, the number of students that his life touched too multiple to even begin to count. From Science teacher, choir director, director of plays & musicals. Heaven gained a true angel.

I always enjoyed Mr. Wassell as a teacher, in my science classes, in choir, but particularly when he was yearbook sponsor and I was editor. That's when I really saw his sense of humor and work ethic. Extremely intelligent and talented man who gave a lot to New Berlin and the community. The theater arts community will miss his talents as well.

OBITUARY

Fred James Wassell

April 11, 1924 – January 18, 2019

Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Springfield

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