Florene Fay Gassman, 89, Howard

HOWARD — Florene Fay Gassman, 89, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Mitchell.

Her funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at St. Agatha Catholic Church, with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Howard.

Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Willoughby Funeral Home in Howard, continuing at the church beginning at 6 p.m., with a scripture and rosary service at 7:30 p.m.

Florene Staley and her twin sister, Dorene, were the first twins born at Canova Hospital, Canova, on Oct. 15, 1923, to William Oscar and Florence May (Thomas) Staley. While in school she participated in basketball, and enjoyed to sing and travel. She sang at the National Twin Association, and for many years she sang for the Rock Creek Band. She married Myron C. Gassman on September 29, 1947, at Epiphany. They celebrated their 65th anniversary. She enjoyed being involved in 4-H, her Extension club and church group. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, tatting, and making bears, dolls and afghans.

She is survived by her twin sister, Dorene Zieman of Martin; her husband, Myron, of Howard; seven children, Deanne (Jim) Krantz of Howard, Leanne (Steve) Hepner of Sioux Falls, Janice (Joe) Holloway of Basin, Wyo., Nancy (Pete) Kazmar of Greensboro, N.C., Bob Gassman of Howard, Mary Alice (Henry) Dean of Brandon, and Lesa Jo (Darin) Mertens of Milbank; 18 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John F. Staley; and a great-granddaughter.

Visit www.willoughbyfh.com.

For the complete article see the 02-14-2013 issue.

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