April 19, 1921 - October 11, 2019
Clarence G. Sasse. Chuck took his final flight to be home with the Lord on October 11, 2019. He lived a full and active 98 years, leaving an imprint and legacy behind him. Born in Elysian Township to Ewald and Ida (Quiram) Sasse on April 17, 1921. He served as a Flight Engineer in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in Nuthampstead, England. His service included many missions in Germany. A proud veteran, he settled into the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis in 1946 where he opened and ran a mechanic shop. Never one to sit still, Chuck stayed active in the community and was a well-known member of the James Ballentine “Uptown VFW” Post 246, one of the founding members of the Lyn-Lake Lions Club, volunteered for the Special Olympics and was the recipient of several awards and recognitions. He enjoyed volunteering at the Minneapolis VA, a passion he shared with long-time partner and companion of 24 years, Reva Swanson. He and Reva went on many adventures over the years. Affectionately known as “Grandpa Chuck”, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Oh, the stories one could tell! Many fond memories were made at his cabin in Pine River, where the family enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing and hunting.
Chuck is survived by his partner, Reva; sister, Annie Nusser; children, Gerry Sasse, Darlene (Jerry) Kaiser, and David Sasse; grandchildren, Jason, Taryn, Karla, Jesye, Lucas, Kathrine, Cody; great-grandchildren, Colt, Damien, Kiya, Haley, Harper.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leo Sasse and Marlen Sasse; sisters, Evelyn Hollmichel and Mildred Larson; daughter, Judy Conniff, and son, Duane Sasse.
Funeral Service
Thursday, October 17, 2019
11:00 AM
Salem English Lutheran Church
610 W. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Visitation
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
5:00-8:00 PM
VFW ceremony at 7:00PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
We will miss you! You are a pillar of Salem and the community.
Our hearts are heavy since learning of Chuck’s passing. We were Chuck’s neighbors, we lived across the street from him for 10 years. We were newlyweds when we bought our house and Chuck welcomed us like family, and when our son Rhys was born a few years later, he treated Rhys like he was another of his grandkids. Chuck was the best example of how to be a truly wonderful neighbor and remarkable human being. The deep commitment he and Reva shared to giving back to the community always inspired us. Chuck was one of the most kind, generous, loving, funny, smart and fearless people we ever met. When our son had birthday parties, Chuck came over in his clown costume to entertain the kids and when we had holiday parties, he came in his Santa suit. He also sometimes came and took Rhys to the little park behind Salem, and sometimes on other outings, too. When we moved to our present house, leaving Chuck was the hardest part. One time, when Chuck would have been around 90, I ran into him at Aldi — he was taking some of his “elderly” friends shopping. The funny thing was that he was the older one by calendar years but clearly the younger one in spirit and spryness. That was so clearly Chuck – helping those who needed it the most. Rest in Peace, dear Chuck. You’ll always hold a special place in our hearts and memories. With much love, David, Pam and Rhys