John T. Gassmann
December 29, 1946 ~ February 9, 2012
John T. Gassmann, 65, Valley City, ND, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2012 in Fargo, ND.
John was born December 29, 1946 in Valley City, ND to John A. and Agnes (Stanton) Gassmann. He was raised with his siblings Joanne, Mary, and Jim in Valley City. John graduated in 1964 as a valedictorian from St. Catherine’s High School in Valley City. He attended the University of St. Thomas and graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1969. From 1969-1971 he was stationed in Norfolk, VA in the Navy. At that time he worked as Project Engineer at the High Pressure Test Facilities Branch in Washington, D.C. From 1971-1974 he served with the Army Corp of Engineers as the Test Director of the Safeguard Antiballistic Missile System at Concrete, ND. He pursued Post Graduate Coursework at the University of Maryland in Engineering and worked in National Security Management through the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. In 1977, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Juris Doctor from UND Law School. He worked from 1977 to present as a construction attorney and farmed the Gassmann family farm. He farmed in partnership with his Grandma Barbara, Uncle Joe, and his Dad until their passing.
John will be dearly missed by his partner of 20 years Bonnie Bowman, his daughter, Margaret (David) Oakland, grandson, John; Bonnie’s family Dayna (Andrew Marry) Del Val, Wesley (fiancé Delphine Driat) Del Val, Evan (Erin) Del Val, and grandsons, Quinn Del Val and Mason Del Val.
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Oro Valley AZ
We dearly loved our cousin John T and will miss him. We have wonderful memories of spending summers together as we grew up. The men in our family named John are a very special group.
Mandan ND
My deepest sympathy to John’s family. The Law Class of 1977 usually sends a floral arrangement but we didn’t hear about John’s death until it was posted on the Supreme Court website. The Class of 77 will be making a donation to the UND Law School in John’s memory.
~DeNae Kautzmann
Moorhead MN
Please accept my sincere condolences upon the passing of John. I pray that God’s many blessings will sustain you during this difficult hour and that you will allow your faith in Him to be a source of great comfort.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Watford City North Dakota
Dear Bonnie and family, My deepest heartfelt sympathies for your loss of Gassman. I only met him the one time. What a charming personable person. You are so fortunate to have had him in your life.
The days aheasd will be lonely however know that warm thoughts and prayers are flowing your way.
Love always
Ann Anderson Beard
Due West SCTo Bill Frichtl,John would have been so pleased that you still cherished your time together with him during the days of the ABM site. During the 23 years of marriage I had with John he always considered that time to be his “glory days”. FYI: I returned to my maiden name after the divorce.Sharon Linnehan
Norfolk NEBonnie, Dayna, Wesley and Evan… Thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your families and to John’s. So sorry for your loss.
Maggie and family ~ I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet John. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know we are here if any of you need anything.
We love you. God Bless.
Glenn, Marcie, and Megan Westling
Marsha Holweger
Anchoage AlaskaI am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and acquaintances. He was an amazing man.
I had the pleasure and honor to work with John for a couple of years (71-72) at the ABM site at Concrete, ND
. Those were fun and exciting times for both of us when we were young.
Sincerely,
Willam Frichtl
Hawley MN
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I met John just once in my life, and he was just a great guy. A few years ago, I put an ad I the paper to sell my 1998 salmon-colored dodge neon…it needed lots of work, and I just didn’t have the means to fix it, so I wanted to sell it for parts. I was also in the process of moving out of my apartment, so I wanted to sell it quickly.
Lo and behold, a man by the name of John T. Gassmann shows up at my front door…90 miles from Hawley…to look at.to visit, and later buy my less-than-manly jalopy! He said over and over how he couldn’t wait to get the car running to use it in the fields and as a work car….he said it had potential to get the job done…as he said this, I was like, “WOW….does this guy have optimism!”…I couldn’t believe someone drove 90 miles to buy this old piece of junk!….but….I COULD see that John saw the positive in things.
We visited some more, finalized the purchase price and talked some more before it was dark. John and his partner tied a rope to their station wagon onto their newly purchased used car, drove out of my driveway, and went off to Valley City. As fast as John came into my life, he was gone just the same. I always wondered what happened to that car, and if it did the job he had envisioned.
After reading online about John’s passing, I was amazed by all of John’s lifetime accomplishments…things I wasn’t aware of in our short visit. He appeared to have great success wherever life took him! Aside from all of his educational and career successes, he certainly had a phD in character.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends of John. May the grace of God’s love and compassion bless you, and John as he is united with Christ.
Dear Bonnie,
My heart aches for you. I always admired the soulful relationship that you and John had. It was such an inspiration to me. You guys were lucky to have each other. I know that he will live on in your heart and in the heart of all the other people that he touched.
With Love,
Nicole
Willliston ND
Bonnie,
We want to express our sincere sympathy to you and your family. He was just such a blessing and wonderful man in your life and you were his blessing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. May all of you draw strength from many cherished memories of the years that you had together! God bless!
Due West SC Dearest Maggie,
I wish I could be with you during this very difficult time of the loss of your Dad. I’m glad you know I tried to come the funeral. I’m proud of the way you have always treated your father with love, honor, and respect.
I’m also glad that a Mass for John’s healing was said at my church on Feb. 9.
Love,
Mom
Lake Forest IlMy most sincere sympathies to John’s family, loved ones, and friends at his very untimely passing. John was without question a most extraordinary man. I offer my prayers of support to each of you during this sad and difficult time.
Crystal Lake ILMy deepest sympathy at the passing of John. I hope that the fond memories of laughter and joy that you shared with John will comfort you.
Dear Family of John
You have my sincere sympathy on his passing. I knew John as a fellow attorney and friend in Valley City as well as at St. Catherine’s Church. He was a remarkable person and will be missed but remembered.
Tom Goven
mandan north dakotawanted to send my condolences i am a cousin of john my maiden name was thilmony
Wauwatosa, WI Dearest Maggie,
We know losing your dad is so very difficult and painful. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
All our love to you, Dave and little John David,
Chris, Mark and Catie
Scappoose OreBonnie We wish so much that we could have had more time to get to know this remarkable man, but his life will live on in the memories and legacy that you share with others . God Bless you- you are loved greatly- many prayers are being sent your way. Love you, Aunt Esther and Uncle Buford
Bonnie my heart hurts for you. I am sure that John was very happy for those 20 years to be with someone as wonderful as you. You are in our prayers. Love, Larry and Jean
Bonnie,
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless
Paula Myers and family
Valley City ND
I am very sorry to hear about John. John and I had cases together many years ago when I was state’s attorney and had some really good talks. John was so interesting to talk with and we always seemed to work things out in a reasonable fashion. I had called him a couple of times for advice on construction issues with the county, and he never turned me down for information. I wish everyone well…Robin Huseby
The first time I heard the word eclectic was in a conversation with John. At the time I didn’t know what the word meant. But I think it describes John. In general, the term describes the combination in a single work of a variety of influences.
I am thankful for having known John.
So sorry to hear about Johns passing. What a remarkable man! He will be greatly missed. Bonnie, you and your (extended) family are dearly loved. Sorry for your grief.
Mike
Dickinson North Dakota
Bonnie and Family:
I worked with John when he was representing Tooz Construction, Inc. I enjoyed working with him. He was so interesting to listen to and always helpful when I need help. He was such an intelligent and wise man. He will be greatly missed and I am so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Tormaschy
Tooz Construction, Inc.
John is well-remembered by his St. Kate’s friends. So sorry for the untimely loss. Von
Wilmette IL Maggie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so glad your dad was able to meet and hold your son. Please know that we love you very much and hope you can get through this very difficult time.
All our love,
Cathy and Jack
Fargo ND
What an incredible man! His presence certainly made the world a better place. Praying for all of you, Bonnie. Love, Doreen and Jack
Fingal ND
Sorry to hear about John. He will be missed. Was a great man. Will miss the visits at our office as he was always so upbeat. Our sympathy to you.
There were so many things we didn’t know about this remarkable man. Thee best, though, is that he made my cousin, Bonnie, and her dear family very happy, loved and secure.
Blessings to you all as you deal with this. We love you all so much.
Myrn and Bill
Moorhead I was so sorry to hear of John’s death. I am sure that he will be missed — he was such a caring person. God Bless you all as you celebrate his life.