Willard (Woody) Henry Kasselman, age 83 of Olsburg, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025. Woody was born May 28, 1941, in Great Bend, KS to Emmett and Norma (Argyle) Kasselman. On June 1, 1968, Woody married Luellen Nelson in the Olsburg Lutheran Church and they were blessed with three children.

Woody played football at Hutchinson Community in 1959-1960 and 1961-1962 where he earned  All-Conference honors. During the 1961-62 years, Woody was one of three football players who was honored as “Big Man on Campus”. Following his graduation from Hutchinson Junior College he transferred to Emporia Teacher’s College where he received his B.S. in Secondary Education in 1965.

Woody started his Industrial Arts teaching and coaching career in the Fall of 1965 at Windom High School, followed by teaching at: Blue Valley, Topeka High School, return to Blue Valley and finished at Axtell. He enjoyed being with the students and staff members while he continued to be a substitute teacher in the area schools. Woody was an active member of the Olsburg Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and held a variety of positions. He was also involved in the Blue Valley Young Farmers and Young Farm Wives organization for many years. Woody looked forward to the farm tours every summer as he enjoyed the conversations with the other young farmers around the state.

In 1972, Woody was elected president of the Olsburg Lions Club for its inaugural year. He actively participated in numerous community activities.

In 1974, Woody achieved his dream of owning a farm, where he raised pigs and crops.

There was no greater joy in his life than watching his children and grandchildren as they participated in sports, church and school activities. He was very proud of each of them as he watched them excel in their activities.

A highlight of Woody’s college life was being able to travel with three of his friends from Emporia State University to attend the funeral of John F. Kennedy in Washington D.C. in 1963. Following his trip to Washington D.C., he had a dream of taking his own children back there so they could also see where John F. Kennedy was buried and all the historical landmarks he had enjoyed. In the summer of 2003, that dream became a reality as his family traveled to Washington D.C. to tour the famous landmarks he had seen in 1963. Woody’s family also traveled by Amtrak from Washington D.C. to New York City and being able to attend a New York Yankees baseball game.

Throughout his life, Woody enjoyed hunting and fishing. Summer camping trips with family and friends were cherished. While camping, they would enjoy activities such as boating, water skiing, tubing, and campfires. Remarkably, he continued water skiing and roller skating into his late sixties.

Woody is survived by his wife, Luellen Kasselman of the home; three children, Kathy (Justin) Ricketts of Leonardville, Karl (Linda) Kasselman of Olsburg, and Kraig Kasselman of Olsburg; nine grandchildren, Chase (Kyra) Ricketts, Kylea (Jaden) Strohl, Jace Ricketts, Emma Kasselman, Grady Kasselman, Ida Kasselman, Creed Kasselman, Witten Ricketts, and Colt Kasselman, and two great-grandsons, Bryce and Maddox Ricketts. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Louise Easterberg of Olathe, Alta Kasselman of Pawnee Rock, and Vera Kasselman of Larned, and two brothers-in-law, Tom (Donica) Nelson of Olsburg and Dick Nelson of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Keith and Elmer Kasselman; one sister, Edna Dutton, and one brother-in-law, Ed Dutton. He was also proceeded in death by his in-laws, Warren and Ebba Nelson, who were a very important part of his life.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Olsburg Lutheran Church with Rev. Kaylie Ines officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Olsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Olsburg Lutheran Church or the Olsburg Community Swimming Pool.  Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.