Gerald Kasel

Gerald “Jerry” Kasel, 84, of Welch, MN, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on March 29, 2026, with family by his side at Tinta Wita Tipi Senior Living. He was born on April 13, 1941, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Michael and Cecelia (Bauer) Kasel. Jerry graduated from Hastings High School in 1959.

Jerry loved to dance and would take his younger sisters dancing. It’s where he caught the eye of his future wife, but she was hesitant because he always showed up with all these “girls.” On August 22, 1964, he married Charlene Seidl in West St. Paul, and they made their home in Hastings, where they raised their four children.

He followed in his father's footsteps by growing a huge garden, especially rhubarb for jam and table onions, becoming affectionately known as “Mr. Onion.” As a young man, Jerry was always helping at home or farming with others, a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. He worked various trucking jobs before starting at Kingston’s Downtown Shell in 1964. He became a partner in 1974 and took over full ownership in 1983, until they sold the business (now Downtown Tire & Auto) to their son, Greg, in 1998. Even after retirement, Jerry stayed active and continued driving a fertilizer truck.

Jerry was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Hastings Knights of Columbus, and an active member of the SEAS Catholic United Financial Council, holding multiple roles.

Time spent with his children and grandchildren brought the most joy in life. He especially enjoyed traveling to the cabin in Alexandria, fishing in Canada, deer hunting, going to Biloxi, Mississippi, and tagging along to the casinos with Char. He also loved playing cards, especially euchre, and rarely passed up a good game of 3-13. His card playing became so popular that they started a card club at Tinta.

He is survived by his children, Greg (Kari), Glenn (Carla), Todd (Pam), all of Hastings, Traci Frion of Bloomer, WI; grandchildren, Mollie and Jacob Kasel; Jenna (Colton) Ries, Kylie (friend Brandon Jasso), Quinn and Chloe Kasel; Ryan Kasel (friend Ella Falardeau); Andrew Kasel, Cory (Molli) Frion, Chelsea (Aaron) Peterman; great-granddaughter, Claire Ries; sisters, Margie Hartung, Karen Elliott, Jeanne (Bob) Weiers, Anita (John) Bahls, and Maureen Kimmes, along with many dear friends and other relatives.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife Char in 2022; son-in-law, Chuck Frion; siblings, Shirley Becker, Mary Kasel (infancy), Rosie Schaar, and Michael Kasel, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Pete Becker, Tom Zuzek, Jerry Hartung, and Tom Kimmes; and in-laws, Charlie (Pat) Seidl, Audrey Galloway, Art (Loretta) Seidl, MaryAnn (Larry) Graber.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Tinta community. Their care and compassion will never be forgotten!

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:00-7:00PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 11:00AM at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with a visitation two hours prior to the service. A Reception will be following the Mass. Interment will be in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.