Donald Dee "Hass" Hasselman

Donald Dee “Hass” Hasselman, age 68, of La Salle, IL and formerly of Peru, IL, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Peru.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM, Friday, January 23, 2026, in Ptak Funeral Home, and an additional visitation will be Saturday morning, January 24th in the funeral home from 10-11 AM.

Funeral service will be Saturday, January 24th, 2026, 11:00 AM, in Ptak Funeral Home, 1026 4th Street, Peru. Rev Gregory Jarzombek OSB will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Donald was born April 23, 1957, at People’s Hospital, Peru, to Donald A. and Wanda M. (Piwonski) Hasselman. Tragically, his father died in a car accident just weeks before Donald’s birth. His mother later married Eugene D. “Gene” Broviak, who together with Wanda, loved and raised Donald as his own. Donald married Angela E. Witek, on August 27, 1983, at St. Valentine Church, in Peru, where he was life member.

Donald attended Peru Schools, graduated from La Salle-Peru Township High School, La Salle, with the Class of 1975, and attended Illinois Valley Community, Oglesby, IL. Donald worked side by side with his dad, Gene, and became a skilled automotive mechanic. His entire career was spent at Gene’s Auto Clinic, in Peru, where he eventually became the business operator. Gene’s was more than a repair shop. For many, it was also a gathering place, somewhere to hang out, talk, and spend time with others. Donald’s easy way with people was integral to that welcoming atmosphere. For a time, Donald had also tended bar at Parkview Tavern, Peru, where he was always ready to regale the customers with a story, or a joke.

Donald enjoyed the outdoors: fishing, golfing, and especially, mushroom hunting, Additionally, he liked sports, was a Chicago Bears fan, and had an affinity for NASCAR. He was a member of a bowling team and in earlier years, belonged to a pool league. Donald was rather proud to have once placed second in a local jello jump contest.

It seemed that Donald knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He was funny, good-natured, and full of personality. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them smiling. He will be remembered for his friendliness, humor, generosity, and boundless energy he brought to the lives of those around him. Most notably, family and loyalty mattered deeply to Donald, and he carried and lived those values throughout his life. Donald was a loving and devoted son, brother, and father, and was extremely proud of his daughters, their accomplishments, and the women they have become.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Holly L. Hasselman, of Las Vegas, NV, and Brittnay A. Hasselman, of Peru; mother, Wanda M. Broviak, of Peru; sisters, Alice Broviak (Mark), Linda J. (the late Boudie D.) Shan, of Peru, and Sally L. (Dennis M.) Turczyn, of Edelstein, IL; brother, David E. (Pamela) Broviak, of La Salle; maternal uncle and aunt, Aloysius J. “Al” (Sally M.) Piwonski, of Peru, former wife and mother of his children, Angela E. Witek of Las Vegas, NV; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be missed by his many friends and neighbors.

Donald was preceded in death by his birth father, in 1957: his dad, in 1993; grandparents, Walter M. and Edith E. (Wright) Hasselman, Andrew J. and Anna M. (Niemiec) Piwonski, and Peter E. and Hattie M. (Brongel) Broviak; aunts and uncles.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at PtakFH.com