Dutch Karssen

Bernard "Dutch" Karssen, 85, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Springfield Villa.

Dutch was born August 11, 1933 in Rock Valley, Iowa to Evert and Jennie (Schmidt) Karssen.

He attended Rock Valley High School while in Iowa, but left school to work as a hired man. He joined the Navy Reserves in 1955. Dutch spent six years in the reserve and spent another two years as active duty in the Navy. While he was in active duty, he traveled to various places all over; Hawaii, Philippines, Hong Kong, China.

The very day he was discharged honorably from the Navy, he met a woman that he would soon make his wife, Carol VerHoef. A year and a half later, they married at home. Together they had three children, Michael, Leann, and Lori. In 1988, they moved to Springfield, Missouri.

Dutch went back to school to get his GED in 1990. He was 51 years old at the time. He picked up fishing and started working at Wesley United Methodist Church as a maintenance man. Wesley United was a second home for him and Carol. They regularly attended Joy Class in Sunday School. Dutch also often attended the Men's Breakfast and Men's Coffee weekly events.

Dutch was a true Patriot. He loved and supported his country. He loved to take camping trips with his wife and enjoy the scenery with her. He was a very kind man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dutch lost his youngest daughter this year in March, Lori Karssen. Her death was sudden and unexpected. It broke his heart, and the rest of the families as well.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Karssen; His children, Michael Karssen and Leann DeJoode; Five grandchildren, Krista DeJoode, Carson DeJoode, Kassandra Karssen-Schoon, Kaitlyn Karssen, and Kaleb Karssen; and many other friends and family members.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 am to 10:30 am on Monday, July 1st, 2019 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65807.

A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Monday, July 1st, 2019 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael McIntyre presiding over services. A committal service will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri at 12:00 pm with full military honors rendered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Building Fund.

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