James “Jim” Cassell, age 86, of Annandale, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Quiet Oaks Hospice near St. Augusta.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Alex Becker officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Columbarium interment will be at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Crystal. In honor of Jim, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale or Quiet Oaks Hospice, St. Augusta.
James Arthur Cassell was born on Sept. 8, 1938, in Glenwood, Minnesota to James and Alice (Jung) Cassell. Jim grew up in the Nelson and Garfield, Minnesota areas, and attended high school in Alexandria, graduating in 1956. Jim honorably served in the United States Army. On March 5, 1960, Jim married Carol L. Krueger at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. They made their home in Crystal, where they raised their three children. As a commitment to his family, Jim often worked two jobs, so Carol was able to be at home with the kids. Over the years, Jim worked for Radio Electric, drove cab for Yellow Cab, and for 40 years was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. For 17 years, Jim and Carol enjoyed time at their cabin on Clearwater Lake, near Annandale. After their kids were grown, Jim and Carol sold their cabin and purchased a home on the same lake.
Throughout his life, Jim found joy in camping, vacations, fixing and talking about cars, and enjoying beer and peanuts on the deck with his loved ones. As an outdoorsman, he relished moments spent cross country skiing and snowshoeing, finding solace in nature’s beauty. He enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Golden Gopher football teams with family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol of Annandale; children, Dana Cassell Mueller of Crystal, Lori Pater (Larry Koskinen) of Brooklyn Park, and Alan (Jody) Cassell of Centerville; grandchildren, Jeremy (Nicole) Pater, Kevin Pater, Amanda Pater, Samantha Cassell (Benjamin Levin) and Allison (Sean) Bundy; great-grandchildren, Grace and Conner Pater; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Vernon Cassell and Jeanette Johnson.
Jim’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute, and funeral webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.