Stephen Michael Vassberg Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Stephen Michael Vassberg was the youngest child of Swedish farming parents Sven and Evelyn Vassberg and brother to David and Paul Vassberg. He grew up playing with the children of the Mexican farm workers, so from an early age he was surrounded by several languages (Swedish, English and Spanish) and customs which began a lifelong love for seeking out and learning about people and cultures. Stephen worked on the Vassberg Brothers farm growing up and as a young adult. In his mid-20’s, he drove from Texas to Honduras to accept a teaching job. It was in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, that he met and fell in love with Dorothy Hoffmann Velasquez. Their marriage ceremony began at 6 a.m. — evidence that Stephen remained connected to his farming family’s history of early rising. March 28th, 1969 began Stephen’s adventures with his closest confidant. After he returned to Texas from Honduras, he began an extensive career at TSTI (which later became TSTC), progressing to Associate Dean of Special Programs, involvement in the ICEED, and finally to writing grant proposals for different projects needed at the college. He saw a need in the community for residents to expand their education while continuing to work full time. He established the night school at TSTI. Being involved in Special Programs enabled him to meet and host groups from Mexico, Central America, and countries as far away as Yemen and Nigeria. Early in his career, he moved with his young family to the Dominican Republic for several years in order to establish an agricultural school in El Ceibo. These experiences helped him become a skilled mediator, with a knack for resolving the tensions that can occur with the introduction of one culture to another — and a useful skill in any endeavor. Stephen was devoted to the Boy Scouts of America his whole life. He started as a lion cub (a rank that no longer exists) and earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 18. He went on to lead a troop of Scouts in Honduras and became a Scoutmaster once he returned to Texas. He strongly believed in the mission of the Scouts and that the path to Eagle would guide a boy to become an honorable man. He was deeply involved in the BSA until his death. Stephen enjoyed his retirement. He worked for Shaw Industries, where his knowledge of Mexican colloquialisms and genuine interest in people were able to shine. He continued traveling with Dorothy and also took trips with his daughters Suyapa and Coty, his grandchildren, and friends from Bethel Lutheran. Wherever Stephen went, he engaged in conversation with anyone from any walk of life. He was interested in people and wanted to get a view of life from their perspective. Stephen and Dorothy had so many fantastic adventures together exploring many areas of the world. He remained close to his long time childhood friends, co-workers, and his Boy Scout brethren. Stephen was a kind-hearted man, always willing to see good in anyone and make light of the simple irritants of daily life. He made difficulties bearable and was a joyful addition to any situation. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Stephen would be graced with a dutiful and loyal friend. Stephen was a devoted Lutheran. He was proud of his relationship with his Maker. He enjoyed the shared happiness as a child of God and enjoyed the shared tension with the Creator as he sought guidance during difficult times. A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church (8233 Park Ave, Lyford, TX 78569). In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the Rio Grande Valley Council Endowment Fund, 6912 W. Expressway 83, P.O. Box 2424, Harlingen Texas 78551-2424 or Bethel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 250, Lyford, Texas 78569, or charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W. Hidalgo Ave., Raymondville, Texas.

Stephen Michael Vassberg

November 29, 1945 - January 17, 2017

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