Clarence B. "Kassey" Kassen, 79, of Albers, died Saturday, July 8, 2006 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. He was born January 22, 1927 in Albers, son of Bernard and Mary (Hilmes) Kassen. He married Florence C. Mueller on June 6, 1956 in St. Libory and she survives in Albers.

He is also survived by his children, Debra Kehrer and husband Dennis of Albers, Diane "Fritz" Strubhart and husband Fred of Bartelso, Barb Schroeder and husband Ken of Bartelso, James "Pete" Kassen and wife Brenda of Albers, David Kassen and wife Phyllis of Damiansville, and Donald Kassen and wife Jill of Damiansville; a son-in-law, Kevin Haas and wife Teresa of Trenton; two sisters, Pauline Geissert of Breese and Frances Middendorff of New Baden, 18 grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Marie Kassen of Breese.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda M. Haas in 2002; a brother, Lawrence Kassen, two sisters, Rita M. Schmidt and Bernadine Meier; four brothers-in-law, Victor Schmidt, Frank Meier, Harry Geissert and Bill Middendorff; and his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Louis & Mary Mueller.

Mr. Kassen was a carpenter with Dulle Construction for over 40 years before retiring. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during WWII. He was a member of St. Bernard Parish and Men’s Club. He was a member and past commander and former chaplain of American Legion Post 1026 in Albers and a member of Carpenters Local 480 in Freeburg.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Albers.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2006 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at Hempen Funeral Home in Albers. A rosary will be prayed Monday at 7 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.