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Steven D Hassenger, age 69, of Colon, died on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at his family farm. He was born May 5, 1954 in Three Rivers, a son of Forrest and Marian (Luegge) Hassenger. Steve graduated from Constantine High School in 1972 and received his Bachelors Degree in History from Olivet College in 1976. He continued his education, obtaining a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Western Michigan University in 1983 and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN.
On June 19, 1976 he married Doris Trine at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Three Rivers. She preceded him in death on November 27, 2021.
Steve began his teaching career at Bronson Middle School as an English teacher and then at Constantine High School as a History teacher. During his tenure at CHS, he coached football, wrestling, and girls track and field. In 1993 he moved to Perry, GA where he taught history and coached wrestling and football. From 1994 to 1999 he taught history at Shiloh High School in Snellville, GA, coached football and wrestling, and developed a sports medicine curriculum which was adopted by Gwinnett County Public Schools. His school district twice received the $1M Broad Prize for Urban Education, awarded to public school systems that have demonstrated the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement while narrowing achievement gaps among low-income students and students of color. Steve also received the Armonk Institute Award to tour Germany and collaborate with top educators there. Finally in 2000 he transferred to North Gwinnett High School, teaching AP History and summer school ESOL, training adjudicators for GCPS’s Gateway academic knowledge and skills exam, and coaching wrestling and football, retiring in 2013.
Steve was a member and elder at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Three Rivers and Oak Road Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA. He was very active in the Olivet College Alumni Association. In his free time, Steve enjoyed golfing, gardening, and travel.
Surviving are his daughter Karin Hassenger, Atlanta, GA, son Kurt (Amber) Hassenger, of Jonesboro, GA, brothers Paul (Cindy) Hassenger, Sturgis, David (Katherine) Hassenger, Three Rivers, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brother Martin Hassenger and niece Samantha Hassenger.
Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Religious services will be held at 11 am Tuesday at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Three Rivers, with Pastor Ron Moritz officiating. Interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Colon. Memorial contributions may be directed to Olivet College Athletics at https://www.olivetcomets.com/donate. Please visit Steve’s memorial page to sign his guest book and leave a message for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
