Raymond L. Kassel, 96 of Nevada, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022, at Story Medical Senior Care in Nevada.

Raymond was born February 27, 1926, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Henry J. and Eva (Kahley) Kassel. He graduated from Mason City High School and following graduation, enlisted in the United States Navy. Raymond was assigned to a Naval cruiser in the Mediterranean until the end of WWII in 1945.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he met Opal Wood. They would marry on September 18, 1949, in Mason City. Raymond and Opal started their new life together with Raymond enrolling at the University of Colorado where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. They returned to Iowa and Raymond began his employment with the Iowa Highway Commission and was assigned to Decorah, Iowa. While in Decorah, they had two children, Ros (Kassel) Dunblazier and Kevin Kassel. Raymond then was moved to Britt, Iowa in 1956, where their third child, Stephanie Kassel was born. In the summer of 1957, he was assigned to the main Highway Commission office in Ames. Raymond and his family relocated to Nevada, Iowa where he would spend the next 65 years.

Raymond was accomplished in his career and some highlights include being named the first Director of the newly formed IDOT by former Governor Terry Branstad. In Nevada, Raymond was prominent on many boards and committees to promote and develop the growing city. Raymond was active with the Rotary Club of Nevada beginning in 1983, serving as president. He was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nevada, serving as an Elder and on numerous boards.

Raymond is survived by his three children; two grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Dunblazier and their four children and Megan (Ryan) Pickard; and a great-granddaughter, Kennedy (Jared) Warne and their daughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother, Warren Kassel.

Private family services will be held at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada.

The family would like to thank Story Medical Senior Care and Story Medical for giving Raymond a great quality of life.

In lieu of flowers, memory contributions may be made to Story Medical Senior Care New Building Fund or to Story Medical Senior Care Activities.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com