John David Cassel

John David Cassel

1939-2024

John David Cassel passed peacefully from this life on angel’s wings surrounded by family on May 2, 2024.

He was a second-generation American born of Swedish descent on March 5, 1939, in Superior, Wisc., to Ervin (Cass) and Lillian (Lil) Cassel, and grew up with his cherished two older brothers, Justin and Fredrick (Fred).

John was a Boy Scout, played basketball, belonged to the rifle club, enjoyed working on and restoring fast cars and was a talented trombonist throughout his life, playing in high school marching, U.S. Navy and community bands.

John was a proud veteran, honorably serving in the U.S. Navy from November 1958 to August 1962, and reserves through November 1964 as a Sonarman SOG3 on the destroyer USS John R. Craig.

He worked as a longshoreman on the iron ore docks in Superior, Wisc., and attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. After his discharge from the U.S. Navy, he graduated from the Electronics Institute and joined Wisconsin Bell. He had a celebrated career with the Bell Systems and AT&T, including American Bell International Inc. in Tehran, Iran, working to develop a modernized, integrated telecommunications system. He retired as a Regional Services manager with Lucent Technologies.

John had a strong affinity for the natural world and a love for all creation. He was a bird watcher and a rescuer of stray animals that came across his path.

He showed his children how to walk quietly in the forest woods, silently observe the waters of Lake Superior and Nebagamon, fish, use his 40# bow and arrow, hunt pheasant/grouse and practice shooting at target balloons attached to the birch trees at the family lake home his builder father-in-law created.

He coached ice hockey, mentored Boy Scouts and was his children’s biggest fan for their musical performances and sporting events in figure skating, ice hockey, soccer, track, football, baseball and rugby. An avid hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed snowmobiling, skating, golf, swimming, water skiing, boating, playing pool and all things trains.

At 6-foot, 4-inches tall, he was a larger-than-life presence, incredibly resilient and powerful, gregarious and a colorful story teller with a robust sense of humor. His powerful windup, warm handshake was his hearty greeting and his word. He taught his children and grandchildren by example through his grounded, strong and simple values: kindness, respect, honesty, humbleness and empathy.

Dedicated to service through the Elks Club, Pikes Peak Sertoma, participating in the Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Western Street Breakfast for many years, several Lutheran Church councils and homeowners’ associations. He sang in a barbershop quartet, performing locally throughout the Albuquerque area with his favorite being Veterans Day events.

John met the love of his life, Nancy (deceased April 3, 2023) in school, and they started dating upon reconnecting after John was discharged from the U.S. Navy. They were married on Aug. 22, 1964, renewing their vows on their 45th wedding anniversary.

During their more than 60 years together, they enjoyed many adventures and diverse cultures traveling around the world and living in Wisconsin, Iran, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. They also traveled the dog show circuit showing English setters and Cairn terriers, of which Tosaig Cairns enjoyed recognition on the local, state and national level.

John is survived by his children, Dawn (Steven) Nash and Justin (Denise) Cassel; and grandchildren, Connor (Megan) Nash, Kylie Nash and James Cassel.

Our beloved dad and grandpa has left this world a better place by the gifts he gave not only to us but as a friend to all. His legacy, beautiful light and spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 p.m., Saturday, June 29, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 950 Vindicator Dr., Colorado Springs, Colo., 80919. A reception to follow at the Nash home.

Committal service with military honors and interment will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, July 1, at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite organization in John’s memory are appreciated.

“And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, thou he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” — John 11:25