Arne Grassel, 78, of Springfield

A Celebration of Arne’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 1-4 PM, at the Springfield Community Center. Peters Funeral Chapel in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Arne George Grassel, born May 25, 1947, in Huron, South Dakota, to Clement and Alys (Bateman) Grassel. He passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 surrounded by immediate family at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. He is remembered for his teaching, his humor, and his deep love for family and friends.

Arne graduated from Forestburg High School in 1965. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, in 1969, and a master’s degree in Business Vocational Education from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, in 1977.

On August 12, 1970, Arne married Candace Forbes, in Artesian, SD. Together, they built a life centered on partnership, resilience, and unwavering support for one another. Their journey carried them across several communities, where Arne made a lasting impact as an educator and mentor.

Arne devoted much of his life to teaching business education, shaping the futures of countless students. He began his teaching career in Gann Valley, SD (1969–1970), followed by Agar, SD(1970–1978). He then taught in Bloomfield, NE (1978–1985), and Kremmling, CO (1985–1988). From 1988 to 2002, he served as a vo-tech business teacher at Mitchell Technical Institute/Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, SD.

He enjoyed playing cards—especially pinochle—spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, and working in his garden. He also liked feeding and watching birds and sharing stories, including memories of friendly potato-growing competitions with a neighbor. He was an avid reader. He loved reminiscing and telling stories with family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Candace Grassel of Springfield, SD; his son, Travis Grassel of Waukee, IA; and his daughter, Camilla (Chad) Holthe of South Sioux City, NE. He was a proud grandfather to Andrew Grassel and Matthew Grassel of Ames, IA, and Allie Holthe and Jorris Holthe of South Sioux City, NE. He was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Colt Holthe. Arne is further survived by his sister, Connie Grassel of Sioux Falls, SD, sister-in-law Joan Grassel of Havre, MT; sister-in-law Cheryl Schmiedt of Woonsocket, SD; and brother-in-law Claude Forbes of Woonsocket, SD, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Arne was preceded in death by his parents, Clement and Alys Grassel; his sisters, Charmaine Janzing and Jeanne Jaquart; his brother, Verald Grassel; his niece Deborah Hunking: his nephew Doug Janzing; brothers-in-law Ray Janzing and Jerry Jacquart.

Arne will be remembered for his quick wit, intelligence, and the genuine care and interest he showed in others’ lives. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched—as a teacher, a storyteller, a husband, a father, and a friend.