Jacob A. Gassen

November 19, 1989 - November 29, 2010

PFC Jacob A. Gassen, age 21, of Beaver Dam, died Monday, November 29, 2010 while serving his country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afganistan.

Visitation for Jacob will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 950 Washington Street in Horicon, on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 1:00 PM. The Very Reverend Michael L. Wild will officiate.

Jacob was born on November 19, 1989 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the son of Gregory and Barbara (Luck) Gassen. He attended elementary school at St. Jerome”s Catholic School in Columbus. He then attended Beaver Dam Middle School and High School, graduating in 2008. While in high school, Jake was active in the BDHS Orchestra, the golf team, and Academic Decathlon; he was also involved in Youth Soccer, YMCA Swim Team and was a life guard at the Columbus Aquatic Center and the YMCA of Dodge County. After high school, he attended UW Oshkosh for a year. In September of 2009, Jake joined the United States Army; his basic training was at Ft. Benning, GA and his AIT/Medic Training was at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. After training, Jake was assigned to HHT, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY.

Jake is survived by his parents, Gregory and Barbara Gassen of Beaver Dam; two brothers, Christopher and Jesse Gassen of Beaver Dam; his maternal grandmother, Phyllis Luck of Beaver Dam; an aunt and two uncles, M. John (Leiko) Gassen of Neillsville, Valerie (Bill) Dahlke of Granton, and Dan (Lorrie) Luck of Randolph; his cousins, Patrick and Sean Luck, Christine and Dawn Dahlke, Mayumi (Nathan) Aaberg, Angela Gassen, and Jim (Christie) Gassen; he is further survived by his aunt, Denise (Hanson) Rundhaugen, his birth mother, Lisa Genardo; her children, Samantha, Sara, Emily, Steven, and Jennifer; Jacob”s grandfather, Joe Genardo; and more friends than there are stars in the sky. Jake was preceded in death by his infant brother, Thomas Gassen; his maternal grandfather, Merlin Luck; his paternal grandparents, Mathias “Matt” and Virginia Gassen, and his uncle, Rich Hanson.

Memorials may be made in Jacob Gassen”s name to YMCA of Dodge County, 220 Corporate Drive
Beaver Dam, WI 53916; or the Jacob Gassen Memorial – Class of 2008, c/o Beaver Dam High School, 500 Gould Street, Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010, 3:00pm – 8:00pm

Thursday, December 9th, 2010, 10:00am – 12:30pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Service Details

Thursday, December 9th, 2010, 1:00pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

PFC Jacob A. Gassen, age 21, of Beaver Dam, died Monday, November 29, 2010 while serving his country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afganistan. Visitation for Jacob will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at Sacred Heart CatholicContinue Reading

See Condolences

To the family: How sad it is to lose a loved one in death. Our Grand Creator comforts those who mourn by means of his holy spirit. Yet because he is a loving God, he has made provisions for all our future so that we will be able to enjoy our family members in the near future. That hope that we have is the resurrection. (Acts 24:15) Even though we die, one day death will be swallowed up forever. (Isaiah 25:8) We can truly enjoy an eternity with our dear love ones. May you find comfort knowing this is the future blessing of mankind from a loving God.

My heart goes out to your family at your time of loss. I will keep you in my prayers and if there is anything I can do, I am only a call away.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I am sorry I wasn''t able to be alongside the road for the tribute to your son. You have our deepest sympathies.

Greg Gassen family, You have our deepest sympathies with your loss. I''m sorry we''re unable to attend the services but know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Hold dear your memories and know that we appreciate what you''ve all had to give for our continued freedom.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Greg and family, We are so sorry about the loss of Jacob. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. David and Kay Vosseteig (David is a cousin of your mom)

We want to wish you peace at this most difficult time in your lives! we thank you SO much for allowing your son to be part of our military and for his sacrifice because we cant thank him now but someday in the hereafter we will! May God bless your family with an undefined peace .

PFC Jacob A. Gasson, you died believing what you were doing was right and I will always be thankful for your sacrifice I have a son named Jacob and I will always think of you when I see his name. You will not be forgotten. Thank You, from a grateful American!

Dear Greg and family: Our sincere consoldences are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please know our thoughts are with you. Sandy Klang Winner, Wixson & Pernitz

Although we do not know you nor did we know your son Jacob we want to extend our deepest sympathies to your family and all who knew your son. From reading the condolences there is no doubt that Jacob was raised to be an exceptional young man who chose to serve his country and gave the ultimate sacrifice. May your heavy hearts today find a place of peace down the road. Our prayers are with you and Jacob. Marvin and Jessica Schaitel

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.