Obituary of Florence Louise Cassal

Florence Louise Cassal, 99, passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2019, in Olympia, WA. Florence was born July 6, 1919, in Madison, WI, to Walton and Louise Ekstrand. Florence completed high school and two years of college at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she met Ernest Cassal and was married on Aug. 5, 1942. After the war, Ernest became a manager at JCPenney and the company moved the family to Rockford, IL, Jacksonville, IL and finally Columbus, IN where they raised their son Bruce. Florence and Ernest moved to Bloomington, IN to retire close to their son and his family.

Florence led a very active life and participated in many organizations including the First United Lutheran Church, Garden Club, Women’s Golf League and Bridge Club. She volunteered at the Hospitality House reading mail to patients and had over twenty years of volunteer service with the Red Cross. Florence was an avid outdoorswoman and enjoyed hunting in Indiana and boating in the Wisconsin Northwoods where they spent summer vacations. Later in life she and Ernest spent winters fishing and beachcombing in Naples, Florida.

Florence’s boundless energy and aptitude for social events gave her the name “Go-Go Flo.” Florence was a fixture at Bell Trace independent living apartments for over fifteen years where she participated in nearly every activity offered. She continued to pursue her love of travel well into her 80s. A passionate animal lover, Florence swam with dolphins, tracked polar bears in the Northern Rockies, and had a treat for every dog she met. More than anything, Florence adored her relationships with friends and family. A true extrovert, she was energized by the time she spent with other people.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Cassal; son, Bruce Cassal; and daughter-in-law Anne Reese. Florence will be greatly missed by Bruce’s second wife Joyce J. Cassal; her grandson, Kyle Reese Cassal; her granddaughter-in-law Sarah Cassal and her great grandson Lukas Bruce Cassal.

Florence will join her husband at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington, Ind.

No service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to IU Health Hospice Bloomington.