John F. Hassert

John Francis Hassert, 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Emplify Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin, surrounded by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. His final day was spent in the company of the people he loved most—a fitting close to a life centered around family, adventure, and the things that brought him joy.

John was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 11, 1955, to Francis and Joan Hassert. His family later moved to Downers Grove, Illinois, where he attended Benet Academy, graduating in 1973. From an early age, John had a fascination with aviation and earned his pilot’s license at just sixteen years old. He went on to attend Western Illinois University before beginning a career with Nordson Corporation. His work took him to Minnesota and sparked what would become a lifelong passion for the powder coating industry.

John was a man who pursued his passions wholeheartedly. His love of snowmobiles, boating, and lake life eventually led him and his wife, Therese, to Chetek, Wisconsin, where they raised their family and created countless memories. Later in life, John landed what he considered his dream job as Plant Manager at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He spoke fondly of his years there and took great pride in his work and the people he worked alongside.

When his grandchildren came along, John made the difficult decision to leave Arctic Cat so he could be closer to his growing family. He continued his career as a Powder Coating Engineer at Crenlo in Rochester before eventually retiring to his daughter’s property—a place he lovingly considered his own little slice of heaven in Chaseburg, Wisconsin.

A true Midwesterner, John managed to maintain his unwavering loyalty to the Minnesota Vikings, sharing that allegiance with his son, Joseph. His football loyalties also provided no shortage of good-natured family rivalry, as he regularly found himself on the opposing side of his wife, Therese, a Chicago Bears fan, and his daughter, Kelly, a Green Bay Packers fan. The friendly feuds were just one of the many ways John’s humor, stubbornness, and competitive spirit became part of the fabric of family life.

Above all else, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. In his final years, he was surrounded by an abundance of love and had the incredible gift of seeing his children and grandchildren every day. His family will remember him not only for the life he built and the passions he pursued, but for the time, laughter, stories, and memories they shared together.

John is survived by his wife, Therese Hassert; son, Joseph Hassert; daughter, Kelly (Lorenzo) Nickelotti; grandchildren, Logan, Winnie, and Luke Nickelotti; his mother, Joan Hassert; siblings, Lori Russell, Bob (Janet) Hassert, Jim (Colleen) Hassert, Cathy (Craig) Evans and Tom Hassert; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Hassert; brother, Michael Hassert; and niece, Ashley Hassert.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville, Illinois on Saturday November 14, 2026. Memorials can be directed to Seland Funeral & Cremation Service, PO Box 217, Coon Valley Wisconsin 54623.

John leaves behind a lifetime of adventures, a family who adored him, and memories that will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.