Ludema Dell (Hollingsworth) Kassel, age 103, of Tracy, formerly of Holly Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday April 11, 2026 at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy under the care of Hospice of Murray County. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 17, at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Walnut Grove Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church. A private interment will be held in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ludema Dell (Hollingsworth) Kassel was born on July 5, 1922 to Harley and Helen (Peterson) Hollingsworth in Holly Township, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Holly Methodist Church, then in 1941 graduated from Walnut Grove High School. Ludema married Francis Moore Kassel on December 24, 1944 at the farm she grew up on. From this union they were blessed with three sons and 69 wonderful years of marriage.
Ludema held very strong family values. In her younger years she helped raise her siblings. As a wife and mother, she ensured her family was happy and healthy. She canned her garden produce, butchered chickens, and pasteurized their own dairy products. Ludema was an avid gardener, did fancy needlework, jigsaw puzzles, and word search. She made lefse, spritz, and rosettes for gatherings. She continued learning new things regardless of age, using her iPad to play puzzles and FaceTime with family. Ludema spent countless hours volunteering at her church. She was involved in circle, serving group, couples club, played piano and helped with fundraising. She was a member of the flower club, Murray County Extension, and a Bunco club.
Ludema is survived by her children: Loren (Gloria) Kassel of Dawson, Gary (Cathy) Kassel of Walnut Grove, and Scott (Geralyn) Kassel of Waseca; grandchildren: Erin (Jason) Matthies of Sioux Falls, SD, Amy (Craig) Nelson of Ely, IA, Jordan Kassel of Sharon, ND, and Mitchell (Cassie) Kassel of Walnut Grove; great-grandchildren: Sydney & Chase Nelson, and Malea & Kade Matthies; sister Joyce (Stanley “Junior”) Severson. She is preceded by her parents Harley & Helen; husband Francis; siblings: Leonard, Vernon, & Chester Hollingsworth, Jeane Carter & Joane Schmalz.
