Wanda Lorrene Gross Sassman

“Lorrene” Gross Sassman, 98, passed away peacefully on September 28th, 2019. Lorrene was born on October 10th, 1920, to Dwight Gross and Lucile Moon Gross in Rush Lake Township, Palo Alto County, IA. She married Marvin Sassman on July 5th, 1937, and together they had four sons: Jerry, Larry, Ron, and Steve.

Lorrene lived nearly one century on earth and lived it to the fullest. She spent most of her life in Marathon, IA. During her life, she held many jobs. Lorrene was a homemaker, a truck driver, a waitress, papergirl, and a service station owner, just to name a few. She was a pioneer in many aspects of her careers. In fact, she was one of the first women truck drivers in the area, hauling grain and livestock. The service station she and Marvin owned, Sassman’s Standard Service and Commercial Trucking, was a family operation. Lorrene often received surprised looks from folks passing by when she was changing truck tires.

Up until age 93, she lived on her acreage in Marathon, IA, mowing the yard on her antique Big Mow riding mower, tending to her large garden, and walking one mile every day. She enjoyed volunteering at her local community center, serving meals to seniors and fellowshipping with neighbors. She spent her last years on earth residing in Ankeny, IA. You would often find Lorrene breathing life into ailing plants, walking and enjoying the fresh air, working on crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters-in-law, Mary (Larry) Sassman and Marilyn (Ron) Sassman; grandchildren, Sherry (Tim) Mills, Doug (Joy) Sassman, Mark (Dr. Kent Krach) Sassman, Stacy (Jennifer) Sassman, Michelle (Mike) Stacey, and Jerry Polfer; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and friends. Lorrene was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, husband, and four sons.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Lorrene at 11 am, on Saturday, October 5th, 2019, at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale, IA. A luncheon is planned following the service. She will be interred at the Poland Cemetery in Marathon, IA, at a later date. In lieu of cut flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church Lorrene attended, New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322, for the upkeep of the floral landscaping she enjoyed every Sunday.

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