John P. "Pat" Hassler

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska with Father Brendan Kelly presiding. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska. Military Graveside Services will be conducted following the Funeral Mass at the Exeter Cemetery in Exeter, Nebraska. Memorials are to be directed to the Exeter American Legion - Post 218 or St. Stephen Catholic Church. John Patrick Hassler, 80, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Friend, Nebraska, on September 3, 1944, John was the beloved son of John Francis and Elaine Elizabeth (Becker) Hassler. He grew up in a close-knit community, attending St. Stephens Catholic School and Exeter High School, before continuing his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Lincoln School of Commerce. On October 15, 1966, John married the love of his life, Sharon Kay (Hall), and for 58 years together they built a beautiful family, raising three children: Kathryn, Rebecca, and John Michael. John served his country with pride as a member of the U.S. Army from December 1966 to 1969, spending a memorable year stationed in Korea from 1967 to 1968. A dedicated civil servant, John retired after 43 years of service with the State of Nebraska, working for both the Auditor's Office and the Department of Revenue. He was deeply respected by colleagues and county officials alike, not only for his work ethic but for his generosity as a mentor and friend. His dedication was recognized by being named an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, an honor he treasured. John’s passions extended beyond his professional life. He was an avid woodworker, known for spending countless hours in his workshop crafting furniture and projects for those he loved. His meticulous attention to detail was unmatched, and there wasn't a tool he didn’t own. When he wasn't in the shop, you could find John working in his yard or garden, a true farmer at heart, or enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the birds from his deck. Family was John’s greatest joy. He delighted in attending his children’s and grandchildren's events, whether it was sports, dance, or horse riding. His pride in them was evident to all who knew him. John’s kind and generous spirit was always at the forefront—he was the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, whether family, friends, neighbors, or strangers. John was a proud member of the American Legion and a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, where his faith was an important part of his life. His legacy of love, kindness, and hard work will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate to know him. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his children, Kathryn (Eric) Seiboldt of Omaha, Rebecca (Matt) Kempston of Lincoln, and John “Mike” Hassler of Lincoln; six adoring grandchildren, Cassandra Seiboldt of Lincoln, Jessica Seiboldt of Bentonville, AR, Chelsea (Reece) Hyland of Lincoln, Cole Kempston, Addison Kempston, and Paityn Hassler, all of Lincoln; sister-in-law Kay Hassler, nephew Riley (Katy) Hassler, sister-in-law Sandra (Jim) Horne, brother-in-law Roger (Susan) Hall, and brother-in-law Randy (Stacey) Hall, along with many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elaine, and his brother, Tom. The family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at Cancer Partners of Nebraska and Bryan East Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion. John’s life was a testament to service, love, and kindness. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tributes

John P. "Pat" Hassler

September 3, 1944 - September 8, 2024