Bernard James Hassig

Bernard Hassig was born September 16, 1924 in Starkweather, ND, the son of Josef and Sophia (Tiefenauer) Hassig. At age twelve Bernie and his family moved off the farm to Devils Lake, ND where he graduated high school in 1943. From 1943 to 1946 Bernie served in the United States Army. He was stationed in California and was later sent to the Philippines to prepare for the invasion of Japan. After returning from the Philippines Bernie met Doris Daellenbach. On May 15, 1948 Bernie was united in Marriage to Doris. The couple immediately bought a home in Spring Lake Park, MN. They were blessed with five children. In 1954 they moved their family to Blaine, MN. And in 1960 they moved again to Minnetonka where they lived for twenty-six years. Bernie attended school to become an optician and began work at American Optical. He was with American Optical for twenty-five years before joining Benson Optical. After fifteen years of work with Benson Optical, Bernie retired. In 1987 Bernie and Doris moved to the Alexandria area and built a home on Lake Jessie. Home building was actually a hobby of Bernie’s. He built three homes for himself and also had a hand in building homes for his children. He enjoyed woodworking and building furniture for his family and friends. Bernie enjoyed the outdoors and liked to go hunting. When Bernie and Doris came to Alexandria they came to fish. He enjoyed fishing in the summer and winter but not quite as much as Doris did; she always caught the bigger fish. The couple made three trips to Alaska where they fished for salmon and halibut and went clamming. They also made other fishing trips in Minnesota and around the great lakes. Bernie stood by faithfully as Doris reeled in a 37 pound salmon caught from shore on Lake Michigan. On January 2, 2015 Bernie died at the age of ninety years. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Edwin and Frank Hassig; and three sisters, Frieda Sabie, Sophie Engel and Mary Stoeffel. Bernie is survived by his wife, Doris Hassig of Alexandria; children, Bruce Hassig and wife, Kris, of Minnetonka, Carol Hassig of Mendota Heights, MN, Duane Hassig and wife, Marietta, of Minnetonka, Debra Dean of Minnetonka and Craig Hassig and wife, Brenda, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery. Casket bearers include Mark Cline, Brian Cline, Katrina Hassig, Gretchen Hansen, Katie Hassig and Alisa Dean. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 235 and the Minnesota National Guard. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 PM Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.

Bernard James Hassig

September 16, 1924 - January 2, 2015