"Elaine and family, Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I always looked forward to Mr. Fassbender's vibrant smile and loving personality whenever I came home from college. I will always carry the cross high for you Mr. Fassbender! God's Peace and Blessings. Meredith Case"
In loving memory of
John Herman Fassbender
November 24, 1926 - June 24, 2004
John Herman Fassbender, 77, of 903 W. Magnetic Street, Marquette, died Thursday morning at St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee following a brief illness.
John was born November 24, 1926, in Marquette, a son of the late Herman and Mary (Mahoney) Fassbender.
John was a WWII veteran, having served in the Navy with the 2nd Marine Amphibious Unit. He also served as a commissioned officer in the Army during the Korean Conflict and retired with the rank of captain.
Of Johns many accomplishments while serving in the military, those of which he was most proud included being instrumental in the design and construction of Kimpo Air Force Base, which is known today as Kimpo International Airport in Seoul, Korea. Additionally, he led the company he commanded in the construction of an orphanage located in the area of their encampment and was also instrumental in building an ecumenical chapel.
He attended Michigan Technological University and Northwestern University and subsequently worked as an engineer with architectural and engineering firms in Duluth, MN, Washington, DC and Grand Rapids, MI prior to his employment with Northern Michigan University. John retired in 1986 from the university after 20 years of service.
Mr. Fassbender was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Louis the King Council #6447 Knights of Columbus, Bishop Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 44, the Gwinn VFW Post # 5670 and was a charter member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Fassbender of Marquette; sons, John Fassbender of Edina, MN and Barth (Connie) Fassbender of Brookfield, WI; daughters, Linda Fassbender of Marquette, Lisa (Larry) Martin of Plymouth, MI, Marisa (Gregory) Shallbetter of Oshkosh, WI and Gabrielle (Michael) Munson of Oshkosh, WI; a brother, Edward (Betty) Fassbender of Cleveland, OH; sisters, Elizabeth R. Stone of Marquette and Lois (William) Burns of Covina, CA; and eight grandchildren, Jonna, Megan, Lauren, Daniel, Kyle, Sarah, Thomas, and Ladybug.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home where members of Bishop Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand as honor guard. Members of the Knights of Columbus will also recite the rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 12 noon in St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick and Rev. Ben Paris concelebrating.
Tom Barnes, Gil Canale, Charles Crotty, John Dorais, Dean LaJoye, and Fran Rose, all Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus, will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are kindly asked to consider the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"To our brother-in-law, We will always remember your ever present smile, and wonderful sense of humor. Rest in peace dear Jack. Millie & Louis"
"The Big F, as I called him, took a chance and hired me as a painter back in 1979. His gamble on me provided my family and my self with a decent living and a future in Marquette. I will never forget him for that."
"Elaine and Linda, I am so sorry. You especially, but all have lost a wonderful person. I loved to listen to Johns stories about war, work, life....well just about anything he wanted to talk about at the time. I was told a long time ago to stop and listen to the stranger, as you never know when Christ will be passing by. If that be the case, then John must have talked to him many times because he always seemed to take the time. He was a very gentle and caring man. Linda, you are a testiment to all that was good and right not only in your father, but also your mother. May God bless you."
"John was a good man. I really enjoyed his company and sense of humor the few times I had the honor and priveledge of being in his company."
"Linda, So sorry to hear of your loss. We know how much you love your family. We are praying for God's comfort and peace to wrap warmly around each one of you. With love, Mark & Corliss Cloninger"
"Dear Marisa and Family, Your father was an amazing man as evidenced by the wonderful family he raised - his legacy lives on in you. Thinking of you all, Chrys and Doug"
"During my years in Marquete I will always remember John's humor, wit and welcoming spirit. He always greeted me and made me feel welcome at St. Michael's or at the many Knights of Columbus events. He was a backbone of both these organizations and will be missed by all."
"We are sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good man, and always brought a smile to our faces. He always teased me (Brenda) that he was "saving me a kiss" ~ I've blown a kiss up to him in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."