Duane Eric Gassmann

Duane Eric Gassmann, 87 years old, was born January 22, 1931 in Hector, Minnesota to Ernst and Nellie Gassmann. He passed away at home on December 12, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Jane, his only son Duane Bryan Gassmann, his granddaughter Ashley Elizabeth Altice, his brother Harry Gassmann, and his sister-in-law Clara Mae Bennett. He is survived by his three daughters, Vicki Rochester, Pam (Chuck) Coleman, and Kimberly (Randall) Hutcherson, four grandchildren, Jaime (William) Raulerson, Tyler Altice, Cale (Rachel) Hutcherson, and Kinsey Hutcherson, and four great-grandsons, Grant Raulerson, Caleb Hutcherson, Croy Hutcherson, and Carson Hutcherson. Also, he is survived by five sisters and three brothers, all of Minnesota, and two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Crass and Betty Spence, of DeLeon Springs, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged after his service ended in 1955. He then began his career as a lineman with Florida Power Corporation in 1955 and retired after thirty-seven years of dedicated service. He was a member of First Baptist Church of DeLeon Springs. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his time spent with his family. Duane's life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11am at First Baptist Church of DeLeon Springs. Please come and share your favorite memories. The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 6pm to 8pm at Allen-Summerhill. Arrangements are also being handled by Allen-Summerhill, 126 East New York Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724, 386-734-4663.