Gary Paul VanTassel

Gary Paul VanTassel, a man whose hands were calloused from a lifetime of tilling the land, passed away unexpectedly in Breckenridge, Minnesota on June 26, 2024. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Breckenridge Lutheran Church, Breckenridge. Rene Hasbargen will be officiating the service. Burial will be held at McCauleyville Cemetery, Kent, MN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

Born on January 15, 1945, Breckenridge, to Donald and Alice (West) VanTassel, Gary was a son of the soil who epitomized the dedication and hard work that came with farming. Graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1963, Gary's love for farming led him to spend his entire life working on the family farm. His passion for agriculture was unwavering as he and his brother Lyle took over the family farm after their father's retirement. The land was not just where he worked; it was in his blood.

On December 2, 1978, Gary married Peggy Jaeb at the Breckenridge Lutheran Church and they purchased his Uncle Ray VanTassel’s farmstead where they made their home and have resided ever since. Together they embraced the challenges and joys of farming life and were blessed with four children, Paul, Jennifer, Amy and Stacey.

Gary's legacy extends beyond the fields he cultivated; he touched the lives of all those around him with his simple yet profound kindness. He had an innate ability to make everyone feel cherished and could light up a room with his infectious laughter. Throughout the years, Gary took every opportunity to go hunting with his family out west and especially loved a strong cup of coffee. He was an avid outdoorsman, when he wasn’t hunting with the family in his free time, he could be found fishing with the same group of family and friends.

In addition to his farming endeavors, Gary found time to serve on the Nordick Township Board as a clerk and was an active member of the Kent Rod and Gun club. His proudest accomplishments reflected his commitment to both community service and friendship in outdoor pursuits.

The memories of Gary will live on through those who survive him: his beloved wife Peggy; his children, Paul VanTassel, of Moorhead, MN, Jennifer VanTassel, of Breckenridge, Amy VanTassel, of Moorhead, and Stacey VanTassel, of Breckenridge; siblings, Lyle (Jewel) VanTassel, of Breckenridge, Gail Reber, of Rothsay, MN, Donna (Dick) Ruby, of Milnor, ND, Judy (Lois) VanTassel of Glyndon, MN, Debbie Rick, of Breckenridge, Bryan (Cindie) VanTassel, of Breckenridge, Tammy (Jim) McMahon, of Glenwood, MN, Tim (Kate) VanTassel, of Idaho, and Wayne VanTassel, of Canada; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Barbara Jameson and Carol Platt.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests all memorials to be made to the Richland Wilkin Humane Society or to any charity of your choice in remembrance of Gary.