William C. Kassaw

William “Willie” Kassaw, 76, of Van Wert, passed away on Sunday, January 31, at Van Wert Hospital.  He was born in Lake Charles, LA, on February 12, 1944, to Velmer J. and Mary Lois (Berry) Kassaw.  They preceded him in death.  On May 8, 1971, he was united in marriage to Jane L. Strayer.  She survives in Van Wert. 

He is also survived by daughters, Melissa S. (Marc) Augsburger and Karen F. (Robert) Garver; a son-in-law, Alan R. Wilson; sister, Betty Maxwell; and a brother-in-law, Philip Strayer; grandchildren, Greta (Cody) Cline, Taylor Garver, Tanner Garver, Tucker Garver, and Molly Augsburger; a great grandson, Calvin Cline, and one great grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Leanne (Kassaw) Wilson; a grandson, William A. Wilson; brother, Robert (Kathy) Kassaw, sister, Lillian White; brother-in-law, Donald Maxwell; and father and mother in-law, Kenneth and LaDonna Strayer.

William was a plumber belonging to Pipefitter Local 776.  He also belonged to the Elks #154, Delphos Eagles #471, and American Legion Post #96.  He was a member of the United States Army for two years during the Vietnam War. 

Willie, as he liked to be called, was sometimes “rough around the edges” and had a dry sense of humor.  He enjoyed woodworking and gardening.  Most of all, though, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he loved being with his grandchildren, family, and friends.  He didn’t know a stranger and will surely be missed by all who knew him. 

The family would like to give a big thank you to all who cared for Willie at Van Wert Hospital and also at his home. 

Private funeral services will be held at Memorial Park Mausoleum in Lima, OH.  Visitation will be on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Harter and Schier Funeral Home in Delphos.   If you are unable to attend because of Covid-19, please say a prayer for all of the family. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Hospital, or Ohio ASPCA.