Mathias John Gassen

Mathias John Gassen V, age 79, passed away September 26, 2026 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

He was born January 1, 1947, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the oldest son of the late Mathias and Virginia Gassen of Neillsville, Wisconsin.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, John served his country with pride for six and a half years during the Vietnam War. After his service, he went on to work alongside his father in  the family business, B-Line Bodyshop, for 18 years. John also served as a rural postal carrier in Neillsville for 18 years and worked as a painter for Leeson Electric.

John was an avid golfer in his youth, a gifted trap shooter throughout his adult life.  He also enjoyed fishing, barbecuing, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. Throughout his years in Neillsville, he was a member of the Neillsville Gun Club, Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 73.

John believed deeply in honesty, hard work, and keeping his word. He had a quick, often sarcastic sense of humor and an ability to find something to laugh about in almost any situation. Of all his accomplishments, John was most proud of the life he built with Hideko, their children, and their grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Valerie Dahlke and nephew Jacob Gassen.

He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 55 years, Hideko Neha Gassen; younger brother Greg (Barb) Gassen of New Lisbon, Wisconsin; children Mayumi (Nathan) Aaberg of Galena, Illinois; Angela (Skot Swingle) Gassen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mathias James (Christie) Gassen VI of O’Fallon, Illinois; grandchildren Alden, Owen, Mathias, and Adria; nieces and nephews Chris, Dawn, Christopher, and Jesse, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held at Gesche Funeral Home (4 South Grand Ave, Neillsville). Visitation begins at 10 am and service at 11 am, Saturday, October 3, 2026 with Pastor Karen Sparling officiating. Lunch will follow the service at the American Legion Post 73 (6 Boon Blvd, Neillsville).

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Mathias John’s family with Funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.