William “Bill” Karssen Jr., age 82, of rural Chandler, died Friday, February 21, 2025, at Hospice of Murray County, in Slayton, after a battle with cancer. A funeral service was held Friday, February 28, at 2 p.m. at the Chandler Funeral Home in Chandler. Burial was in the Chandler Cemetery.

He was born June 16, 1942, in Leeds Township, to William Sr. and Jeanetta (Eggink) Karssen. Bill graduated from the Chandler High School in 1960. He served his country in the Army Reserves as a quartermaster.

Bill was a lifetime farmer. He began farming with his brother on the family farm. Then in 1968, along with his brother, Derald, they purchased the current farm where he lives. He was a member of the Currie Sportsman Club for many years and was known for his keen marksmanship. He was also a very fine gunsmith, sharing his skills with his friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gun shows, and trap shooting. Bill was also an avid gardener. He always grew a sweet corn patch every year along with squash and other vegetables. He was always generous with his garden’s abundance, sharing with friends and donating the proceeds to the food shelf and other charities.

Bill’s humor will be missed by his family, nieces and nephews, long time high school friend Daryl Behrends and Tim Behrends.

Bill is survived by his three siblings, Derald (Joann) Karssen, rural Chandler; Alden (Marlene) Karssen, Chandler; and Gaylene (Jim) Chapman, Lake Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Janice Vander Poel, and a brother, Roland Karssen.