Gaylen Hassman, 80

Gaylen Hassman, 80, of Waverly, died on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly.

     Gaylen Vernon Hassman was born on April 20, 1945, the son of Vernon and Nelda (Myrick) Hassman in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He graduated from Plainfield High School in 1963. Gaylen served with the US Army from August 1965 until his discharge in August 1968. On October 1, 1966, he was united in marriage to Lynda Hansen in Waverly. He obtained his Undergraduate BA in Political Science at UNI and his Post Graduate degree, Doctorate of Juris Prudence, at Iowa Law School in Iowa City in 1974.  After establishing his own law practice in 1974, Gaylen was invited to join the firm of Engelbrecht and Ackerman as a partner in 1976. The firm became Engelbrecht, Ackerman, and Hassman, where he continued to practice law until his retirement in 2010.

Gaylen gave generously of himself to his family and community. He served on the Salvation Army Board, was past president of the Cedar Falls Bible Conference, and past chairman of the Bremer County Republican Party. He was also active in the Alliance for Defending Freedom, the Christian Legal Society, and numerous local organizations. He founded the Waverly Businessmen’s Bible Study, which became a lasting source of friendship and faith for many.

At the age of forty, Gaylen experienced a profound Christian conversion that changed the course of his life. He subsequently immersed himself in the study of theology and apologetics and delighted in sharing insights or articles that might encourage others.

In retirement, Gaylen spent about six months each year in California with his children and grandchildren, often serving as a personal tour guide for family and friends visiting from back home.  He was an avid Dodgers fan, loved the mountains and family vacations at Lost Valley Ranch, old westerns, going on drives, listening to all kinds of music, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Eternally inquisitive, Gaylen had a way of asking thoughtful questions and making everyone feel seen and valued.

Above all, Gaylen was devoted to his family. He poured himself into the lives and endeavors of each family member, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support in every season of life. As the spiritual patriarch of the family, he took that role to heart—leading by example, prayer, and wisdom. He enriched the lives of those he loved in ways that are impossible to fully express.

    Gaylen is survived by his wife, Lynda Hassman of Waverly; daughter, Nikki (Adam) Anders of Agoura Hills, CA; son, Cameron (Mary) Hassman of Marina Del Rey, CA; two grandchildren, Aaron and Noah Anders; two sisters, Vernelle (George) Malven of Maynard, IA and Lynae (Glenn) Stech of Waterloo; a sister-in-law, Loyce (Jerry) Dumke of Cedar Falls, IA, and Curt (Sandy) Hansen of Waverly, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon & Nelda Hassman; parents-in-law, Lyle & Phyllis Hansen, and by a brother-in-law, Steve Hansen.

     Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 12:00pm at Cross Point Church in Waverly with Pastor Bryan Loritts presiding. Burial will follow in Harlington Cemetery in Waverly with Military rites conducted by the Waverly Area Veterans Group. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4pm until 7pm at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and also an hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Memorials may be directed to either the Cedar Falls Bible Conference, Samaritan’s Purse or Salvation Army. Online condolences can be left at www.kasiercorson.com.

     Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly is assisting the Hassman family.  319-352-1187