Wesley Tassel

February 16, 1938 - May 21, 2018 Wesley H. Van Tassel completed his final production, and exited peacefully at his home in Casper, WY. His beloved wife of 56 years, Dude, and friends Marilyn and Bob Mullen were at his bedside. Wes, the oldest of five boys, was raised on a farm in Kent, Minnesota, by his parents, Bernard and Mabel. He attended a one-room school house, until starting high school in Breckenridge. After graduation, he went to Moorhead State University to play football and study mathematics and pre-medicine. To cover college costs, he worked summers as a US Forestry Service surveyor in Colorado, where he climbed all the tallest peaks. It was also at Moorhead that he auditioned for a play and was cast, thus forever shifting his focus and passion. After Moorhead, Wes spent a year in New York City, teaching high school and seeing as many professional productions as his salary would allow. This solidified his decision to seek further study in theatre and he was awarded a full scholarship and assistantship at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. His second year at UNC he met a girl named, Dude, who was returning to finish her Master of Arts in Theatre. The first production of the year was "Guys and Dolls." Wes was technical director backstage and Dude was performing on stage. Just like the song says, "I'll know when my love comes along..." And they knew. With their degrees in hand, they headed for the University of Denver where Wes was awarded a Graduate Teaching Fellowship in the Theatre Department, completing his PhD in 1969. Wes was always creating and developing and found his strengths in producing, directing and teaching. He directed over 100 productions, both for professional and university theatres. He was an advocate for the development of youth theatre in America and the production of student-written plays. He was a professional director for more than twenty years and the chairman of four university theatre departments. He was also a tireless advocate for his students. When a student was down and out, Wes suddenly had a project or yard work waiting for them. He believed fiercely in their dreams and insisted they did the same. Their last academic location was at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA, where they thought they would retire, but after 23 years they moved to Casper to be with family. Wes was a renowned specialist in teaching Shakespearean acting, culminating with his book "Clues to Acting Shakespeare", now in its third edition and used in classrooms and theatres throughout the world. He considered this book and another book he recently completed with Dude, to be his greatest accomplishments. But those who were fortunate enough to know him and work with him, believe his major accomplishments were the many ways he touched, enriched and changed lives. This was evidenced by the outpouring of love and appreciation to him from across the country, when his severe illness was made known. Wes was truly amazed and deeply touched. Wes was a "dog whisperer" around Casper and always had some beef jerky in his pockets. He loved to explore Wyoming and learn all about its history, so he would pack the cooler and he and Dude would head out. He will be missed at the downtown coffee shop where he shared a good cup of coffee and conversation with some very special friends. Survivors include his wife Anna Juanese "Dude" Van Tassel, Casper; son Craig Van Tassel, New York; son Eric (Leigh) and granddaughters, Hannah and Miranda Van Tassel, Casper; daughter Gretchen Van Tassel, Sedona, AZ; and brothers Jim Van Tassel (Mary), Houlton, WI; Dale Van Tassel (Joan), Riggins, ID; Alan Van Tassel, Battle Lake, MN; Roger Van Tassel, Breckenridge, MN; and so many grateful friends, co-workers and students. A celebration of Wesley's life will be held on June 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 318 E 6th St, Casper, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please make memory donations to the Casper Humane Society, 849 East E Street, Casper, WY, 82601. Though the curtain has fallen, Wesley lives on in the courage he gave us, the kindness he showed us, and the dreams he helped us find and fulfill. "His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up/And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!" Julius Caesar Act V, Scene V. .

Service

Saturday, June 30, 2018 11:00am

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

318 E. 6th Street

Casper, WY 82601