Richard W. "Van" Vantassell

VANTASSELL, Richard W. “Van” 5/14/1943 – 6/16/2020 Richard W. VanTassell “Van” was born on May 14, 1943 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Lewis and Evelyn VanTassell.He grew up in Staatsburgh, New York.While attending school he worked at a dude ranch until he joined the United State Air Force in 1961.Van served 7 years in the Air Force and during his service he spent 4 consecutive years in Wiesbaden, Germany.After leaving Germany he was based at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE until he retired in 1968, due to an injury.Van decided to stay in the Omaha area and became a manager of the men’s department at Skagway on 72nd and “L” Street. There he met his bride who also worked at Skagway in the linen department.They went on their first date that November of 1968, they were engaged by December and married in January of 1969.Van had 2 daughters, Tracy and Kristy.The family lived in Ralston, NE until they moved to Springfield, NE in 1974. While living in Ralston he worked in the maintenance department for the Ralston School District before accepting a position with the Springfield Platteview School District as the Director of Building and Grounds.He was with the Springfield Platteview School District for 30 years until he retired in 2008.In 2004 Van starting working part time at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and continued to work there up until his death. Van enjoyed many things including Husker Football, playing his guitar, attending all of his grandchildren’s activities, going out for meals, fishing, flower gardening and up until they moved in 2014 his pride and joy was his cascading flower garden and pond complete with koi fish that he made with his own two hands. Van’s favorite food was Italian, or anything you could add excessive amount of sugar, butter, and/or garlic. He also enjoyed taking spontaneous road trips with Sharon, which started when the kids were little and continued through their last trip, they took this past Memorial weekend to David City.Van’s favorite road trip was taken in 2018 after discovering Van Tassell, Wyoming on a map and they took off to explore the town. Making people laugh and having fun were Van’s true joys in life.He could cut up any dance floor he was on; and could make everyone laugh with one of his many jokes.He was the goofiest and happiest man you would ever meet. Van was a beloved husband, father, friend and most of all grandpa.He will be in our hearts forever and missed every day. Van is survived by wife of 51 years, Sharon VanTassell; Daughters: Tracy Golda & Blake Thompson, Kristy VanTassell; Grandchildren: Megan Baier, Wade Baier, Brock Thompson; Many other relatives & friends. Gathering of Family & Friends: Mon., June 22, 2020 from 5-7:00pm, with a Wake Service at 7pm, all at St. Joseph Catholic Church (100 9th St., Springfield, NE) Funeral Mass: Tues., June 23, 2020 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church Interment: Omaha National Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE68137 402-895-3400