Denise Sassman

Denise Sassman, age 71, of Orange City, Iowa formerly of Alta, Iowa died on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. To watch the recording of the service, scroll towards the bottom of the page. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the CHURCH. The family encourages memorials to be given to the Alzheimer's Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or www.alz.org/donate. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. 

Denise Elizabeth Sassman was born November 4, 1949 in Albert City, Iowa to Roy and Verva (Hemm) Carlson.  She was raised on a farm near Albert City with her siblings and began her walk of faith at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert City. Denise graduated from Albert City High School in 1967. 

On June 30, 1967, Denise was married to Steve Sassman in Albert City. They started their family in Storm Lake raising three boys: Mike, Todd and Troy. In 1975 they moved to Alta and were active members of the Alta Church of Christ, where Denise helped establish their preschool program. In later years she and Steve were active members of Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. 

Denise’s early career was as a full-time mom.  She began working at Sernett’s when the boys entered school and later transitioned to a career in insurance, first with Farm Bureau of Iowa and later opening the Denise Sassman Insurance Agency, which she operated in Storm Lake until her retirement in 2015. 

Denise was involved in her community, as a volunteer with Faith, Hope & Charity while the family lived in Storm Lake and as an active participant in the Tea Party Movement.  She also enjoyed socializing with her Red Hat Society ladies and their fellowship group at Summit. A favorite pastime was going to area car shows with Steve in their 1950 Plymouth. Time spent with her kids and grandchildren was cherished most of all. 

Denise’s life, love and legacy is honored and cherished by her sons: Mike (Linda) Sassman of Sioux Center, Iowa; Todd (Donette) Sassman of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; and Troy (Robin) Sassman of Boone, Iowa; her grandchildren: Zachary, Joshua, Lyndsay, and Aaron Sassman; Caleb, Gabriel, and Elizabeth Sassman; Alaina and Olivia Sassman; her step grandchildren: Sarah (Cory) Nibbelink, Ethan and Katie Movick; two step-grandchildren: Eli and Alyssa Nibbelink; two brothers: Delmar Carlson of Albert City, Iowa, Doyle Carlson of Naples, Utah; two sisters: Deb Travis of Mallard, Iowa, Darla Vonnahme of Algona, Iowa; nieces, nephews; other extended family and my friends.

Denise was preceded in death by her husband Steve; parents: Roy and Verva Carlson; and one infant sister: Darlys Carlson.

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