Christopher Cassens
April 8, 2000 ~ October 24, 2016
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Christopher Cassens, 16, of Faulkton, passed away Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Bowdle Healthcare Center from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Faulkton High School Gym with Pastor Timothy Koch officiating. Burial followed at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Wecota. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2016 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the Faulkton High School Gym.
Christopher David Cassens, was born on April 8, 2000, in Freeman, SD, the son of Craig and Laura (Farden) Cassens.
Chris was a junior at Faulkton High School, where his passion for singing and performance shone in his involvement with band, chorus and oral interpretation. He also loved Star Trek, Star Wars, making movies with his cousins and other nerdy things, as well as musicals – especially Les Miserables – and his family and friends. Some of his favorite memories were his time spent with friends at Rushmore Music Camp and NSU Voice Camp. Chris will be remembered for his smile, his kindness, his ability to brighten the day of everyone he met and too many other attributes to list. His life was dedicated to serving his Lord and Savior. Chris was an active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church where he participated in Sunday School, Bible School, camp, choir and services. His dream was to become a Lutheran minister after earning a degree in musical theater from Northern State University.
Chris is survived by his parents Craig and Laura of Faulkton; his older brother John and younger brother Bennett. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Rev. John and Maxine Farden, of Sioux Falls; and his paternal grandparents, John and Joan Cassens of Schleswig, IA. Aunts and uncles include Coleen (Mark) Henkel and cousins Miranda and Ethan of Schleswig, IA; Christopher "Chewy" (Becky) Cassens and cousins Hannah and Cam of Oskaloosa, IA; Carrie Cassens-Johnson and cousins Braeden and Lauren of Schleswig, IA; Dawn (Tavis) Allam and cousins TJ, Mason and Truman of Aberdeen, SD; and Marlena (Mike) Pahlman and cousins Connor and Leighla of Farmington, MN; and a host of friends of all ages.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the "Christopher Cassens Memorial Fund" which will support the performing arts that has been set up at Dacotah Bank, 105 8th Avenue, South PO Box 248, Faulkton, SD 57438.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Christopher’s arrangements.
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Craig and family you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of your loss. No words can take away the pain you are feeling right now but know you are not alone. Cheerish the memories to help ease the pain.
Craig and Laura, John and Bennett—we are in shock at the loss of Chris. God be with you all. Our deepest sympathy and all our prayers go out to you.
Dear Craig, Laura, and family, There are no words to describe what you are feeling right now, people will try, but there really are no words. Please know how close we are keeping you in thoughts and prayer. We are just so very, very sorry…there is no greater loss and we are so sad you have joined us in this journey of living without our precious children here on earth. Sending you much love…. Love, The Senftners~ Mark, Lynn, and Scott
Dear Craig, Laura, John and Bennett, We just learned of the great loss of Chris, and are truly saddened by this news. Many times we think of Job, who in the face of great loss and suffering, could still say “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Yes – the name of the Lord be praised! Chris is now with the Savior he loved in this life and is rejoicing in his victory over death with Jesus face to face! We are remembering you in our prayers and our thoughts. May God continually bless you all in the coming days! With love in Jesus, our Risen King! Jorge, Linda, and Jon
I didn’t know Chris, but I know his father. If he was 1/100th of the young man he is, the community lost a treasure. Craig, my heart reaches out to you, Laura and your family in this time of grief. The Cassens family touched my heart growing up; I don’t know what else to do except keep you in my prayers and thoughts in these trying times. I am so sorry…
I met Chris through Rushmore Music Camp, a place he loved & enjoyed. He was talented, kind, funny, friendly, eager to learn and such a joy as a young man. He clearly touched many in his lifetime. I am so sorry that this has happened & that there is so much hurt. I’d like to believe that shows how much he was loved. I was blessed to have known him.
I would certainly extend my condolences in this time of shock and sorrow. I wish you all the strength and courage needed to cope with these trying circumstances. There are no words that can soften the loss or pain except to share in the sense of the tragedy.
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers; no words can express the loss you feel, I know, and pray that God gives you strength.
Lars and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you rest in peace young Mr. Cassens. You were a light in my life for a brief time while we lived near you and with my children who went to school with you. May your family find comfort in time, knowing how much love and light you shared on the Earth. Peace!
Mere words cannot express the sadness and grief we all feel over this tragic accident. Chris was a wonderful young man full of the promise of youth. His personality and talent filled the room and his smile brightened up every conversation. May God hold you in the palm of His hands as He walks with you all during this time of grief and sadness. Prayers for strength and guidance in the days ahead.
Mr. Cassens, Laura, John & Bennett There are no words adequate enough to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I know Chris was a blessing to everyone that knew him. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the coming days and months.
My heart breaks for you and know that you are in my prayers.
No words can express the sudden tragic loss of Chris. Our heart breaks for your family, our teachers, our students and our community. Chris’s loss will be felt by all. His talents will be greatly missed. May our thoughts and prayers for your family and everyone whom knew Chris bring you peace. In Deepest Sympathy,
Our hearts break for family during this difficult time. Chris will be missed by all whose lives he touched. You raised such a wonderful young man and I hope you know what an impact his life had on so many in our community. May God give you strength as you say good bye for now.
Sorry to here of the passing of Chris. Our daughter Molly judge Chris in Oral interp in Aberdeen. She said he was ready for state. Our son Duncan and John are very good friends. Our heart goes out to the whole family.
To the Cassens Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life and love of Chris – memories of his beautiful presence stay with us. I am honored to have shared time with him and to have seen his unique gifts and warm spirit in action at Rushmore Music Camp.
To the Cassons, My son, Rev. Koch, just emailed this news to us. My husband and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. We know this has made a deep impact on the whole community. The only thing we can do now is lay our sorrows on our Lord and Savior, who in His infinite wisdom laid out a plan that you will see your son once again! We will be praying for you!
We want you to know you are in our thoughrs and prayers. It”s hard to imagine Chris not being with your family when you come to visit. Our hearts break for you.
We would like to extend our sympathy to the Cassens family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. It is difficult losing one of your children but time will heal the wound like it has for us. CHERISH THE MEMORIES!!!
Cassens Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time or sorrow. May God’s peace and love be with you all.
Cassens Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything that I can ever do please do not hesitate to call on me.
Craig, Laura and family, I’m so saddened to hear of Chris passing. God be with you in the days ahead and always. I continue to pray for all.
Craig, Laura, John, and Bennett, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for the loss of your son Chris. What a wonderful, young man he was. I’m sure his smile and beautiful voice are going to fill heaven and make the angels sing. I pray that God will give you His strength and surround you with His love during these difficult days. Barb Spicer
Dear Cassens Family. Although I do not know your family, My deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of your very talented young man. I grew up south of Ipswich so Faulkton is not far away. Blessings and peace to all of you at this very sad time. Sincerely, Randy L Richards
Deepest sympathies to the Cassens families. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Doyle & Kay Foreman
Extending thoughts of sympathy to family and friends. May you be granted comfort and peace.
Hugs to the entire Cassen Family…May Chris RIP and sing with the angels….cherish all the memories you have and hold them dear to your heart.
I am sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I can’t find the words to express how we feel right now. My thoughts go back to when you lived here in Freeman and I would care for your boys. Chris was always so kind and gentle. I knew then he had a special talent and would find a place for music in his life. Please know I share your sadness. May God keep you in his loving arms now and in the days to come. Much Love,Sally
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tragic time!
My thoughts and prayers are you the family and friends of Chris as well as the community of Faulkton. May God bless you all and help you heal during the difficult time.
Our most sincere prayers are with you all, at this hard time. His smile and talent were beyond measure and so wonderful to share with so many. Our hearts break for you, but we give it all to HIM. May God and the love and prayers of so many, comfort you. You have many great memories to forever hold close in your hearts!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Our hearts break for this terrible pain you have been dealt! May God wrap his arms around you so that you will be supported by faith, the word and all who grieve and pray for you! We are so sad!
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy to friends and family.
This young man had a tremendous impact on many people during his life. I recall judging him in oral interp. He was very talented and won over many people with his presentations. Condolences to his family and the Faulkton students and community who will grieve his loss. . . yet cherish the memories of him.
To the Cassens Family: The Herreid-Selby Area Wolverines volleyball team is very sorry for your terrible loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We took a moment of silence for you at practice today to reflect on how precious life is and how important family relationships are. May your memories of Chris and the love of your family surround you and give you strength and peace in the days ahead.
We are so sorry for the death of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are so sorry for your loss.
We were so saddened to hear about Chris – the loss of a child is heartbreaking. Chris was a wonderful person with so many gifts yet to give to the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the community. Karen, Shane, Chesnee Wagner Lane Brown
Craig and Laura, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts. Rick Hudson
Craig, Laura, & Family Bob & I are so very sorry to hear of Chris’s death. You are in our hearts & prayers
Craig, Laura, and family – We heard about Chris on Tuesday morning and we wanted to extend our deepest sympathy. We are so, so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Craig, Laura, and family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Joan, John and family. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Christopher. May our Lord wrap his loving arms around you all and bring you comfort. With sincere condolences, Kevin and Ann Klein
I am at loss for words.. My heart goes out to your family. Thinking of you
I am Nicholas’ aunt. I want you to know I have been praying for your family without ceasing. Knowing that Chris loved the Lord is truly an answer to prayer. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God grants you unending comfort in the lives ahead of you as you miss and remember Chris. He will not be forgotten.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It broke my heart when I learned what happened. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Losing those we love, especially those so young is always difficult. Our heavenly father will comfort and help you heal. The bible says God is close to those who are brokenhearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit, psalm 34:18
My dear Craig, Laura and family….as with many, my heart is broken, tears are flowing…you are "one of my boys, Craig"….I’m without words….but, I do know that your faith and the love from your family and friends will help you get through these tough days. What a joy to know, our God will be with you "every step of the way" and Christopher is wearing "his Crown of Glory." Peace, love and hugs always……Sam
My heart just breaks for you and your whole family. What a tremendous loss with such a talented young man. One never knows when tragedy will strike. You were so blessed in the years he was with you sharing all his talents. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Marilyn and Lanny
My my heart breaks for you. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
My sympathy is sent to the family, school, the oral interpretation team and community. As an Oral Interpretation coach myself — Chris and his performances at contests always stood out in my mind as so talented so entertaining. I could not wait to get to the Regional contest — and see what he had in store to share as a judge with me. I always tell my team when we would get to State — if you want to see a talented kind wonderful individual perform you need to go watch his individual piece or their duet!! Again my condolences to everyone.
Our deepest sympathy to the Cassens family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss his sparkle.
Our son Aric had the pleasure of rooming with Chris at NSU Voice Camp this past summer. While upset and reminiscing with friends from camp about staying up until late playing cards with Chris, Aric decided that it is only right that Chris be at All State Chorus with him this year. So Aric will have the Kind of Hearts playing card in his breast pocket of his suit and will be singing in honor of the amazingly talented friend he gained at camp. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and community.
Please know that there are literally thousands of people in prayer for your family during these trying days. Our son, Andre, and John are friends that met a long time ago through music, of course. Ours hearts are so very heavy with sorrow for your family. Take comfort in knowing your son was such an exceptional young man that you, yourselves, and God molded. He is in the Lord’s choir right now and forevermore. Someday you will see Chris again and what a glorious day that will be. God be with you. Rick, Julie, and Andre Boschee
The Duffek family sends prayers and support to the Cassens.
There are just no words than express how sad I am for your beautiful family. I know that Chris will live in your hearts forever, but that doesn’t help the pain that you must be feeling today. I hope that you feel the love and support of your friends and family. God Bless you all.
To the Cassens Family: Our hearts are broken to know of this saddened time in all your lives. We are never prepared for these kind of tragedies that we are handed, but must trust that God has a better plan for Christopher. By reading the many entries, he touched many lives in his short life. Please know that we hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear about Chris’ car accident! Our heart breaks for your whole family. We hope you feel God’s loving arms around you at this difficult time. Mark, LaNae and Charles Harberts
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious son. Our deepest sympathy to the Cassens Family.
We are so very sorry for your lose. We cannot even imagine. Sometimes life is not fair and it kicks you right in the chops. Be strong…because life is good and everything happens for a reason. We sometimes don’t know or agree with "the reason". But life moves on….the sun will always rise….the moon will always become full again. We are thinking of you! Doug & Kerrie.
We’re so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Cassens Family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of loss. I am so sorry. Hugs to you. Bev
Cassens family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time and will continue to be. May God grant you comfort, strength and peace.
My sincere condolences to the entire family on this tragic loss. May the love of Christ give you comfort. Wendy van Gent, NSU
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are so sad for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and hold you close.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Thinking and praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Craig and Laura, I am terribly sadden to hear your dear son Christopher. As a parent I can imagine the emotions you all are experiencing at this time. I pray you all receive much support and love at this time and the days to come. Please know that God see’s your tears and pain and holds out a promise to reunite us with our loved ones again under peaceful conditions (John 5:28,29) He also provides comfort right now, Psalms 34:18.
Craig and Laura, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Chris. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. Peace- Kerry
Craig and family, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in friends and family. Deepest sympathies, Wade and Lisa