Harlan "Hal" Melvin Kasselman Jr.

Harlan "Hal" Melvin Kasselman Jr., age 65, rural Larned, passed away in Indiana on Monday, August 7, 2023, on his way to visit his brother.

He was born June 12, 1958, in Axtel, Kansas, the firstborn son of Harlan and Alice Kasselman (both deceased).

He served as a mechanic in the United States Armed Forces (Army) in Germany. Hal returned home early from the Army to help care for his father, who was in a serious accident. He spent over 30 years working for the Larned State Hospital, initially working as an aide, earning his RN degree, and finishing his nursing career.

Hal married Leona Poindexter on Valentine's Day in 1984, and they lived on the Kasselman homestead that Hal’s grandpa built. They raised their daughter Julia there, whom he loved dearly. He also helped raise his son Brian Kingsolver.

Hal loved the role of playing Santa Claus year-round. He was the best Santa ever. He enjoyed silversmithing, making jewelry, carving, needlepoint, panning for gold, riding his Harley motorcycle, reading, and being an avid rock hound; he loved the Kasselman homestead and his family. Hal was kind, caring, and loving. He enjoyed solitude out on the farm but loved talking to everyone he met wherever he went. Hal had an amazing joyful energy that everyone he came across could feel. All deeply love him and will be forever missed and always remembered.

Hal is survived by his wife of 39 years, Leona Poindexter-Kasselman; daughter Julia Padilla and her husband Sean; son Brian Kingsolver and his wife Jennifer Gray, Stockton; brother Brian Kasselman and his wife Karen; brother Joseph Alan Kasselman; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Zook Cemetery in Larned.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to American Heart Associationheart.org