Karel K. Gassen

Karel K. Gassen, 85, of Topeka, passed away on December 18, 2023 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.    Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Davidson Funeral Home.   Karel was born on September 8, 1938 at Keene, the daughter of Clyde and Vida Bender.   She was raised at Keene and attended school there.

On December 29, 1956 she was united in marriage to Theron Gassen.

She raised her family in Topeka.  Karel was a den mother for her son’s cub scout troop at Highland Park Grade School.  She was a member and attended at different times in her life, St. Matthews, Assumption and Christ the King Catholic Churches.  Karel was a Red Hat Lady, member of the North Topeka YMCA, read to school children in Highland Park, gardened, crocheted and loved to watch birds.

Karel was a secretary for the United States Coast Guard at the federal building in Topeka for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Theron and her brother, Willis LaVerne Bender.

Survivors include her children, Karen Frost of Topeka, Steven Gassen and wife Chris of Topeka, Anita Frese and husband Steven of Lansing, Michigan; nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sister Vida K. “Kathy” Michaels and husband Albert (Gene) of Burlingame and her good friend Farrell Snyder.

The family will receive friends beginning at noon prior to the service.  Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Davidson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions to Christ The King Catholic Church, or to the Topeka Rescue Mission. www.davidsonfuneral.com .   To view her funeral service live please click here