Arthur "Art" Frank Van Garsel, age 81, of Jasper, FL. passed away Friday, November 27, 2015 at his home in Jasper following an illness of some time. Born in Lawrence, Michigan on September 15, 1934, Art was blessed in that he was loved by not one but two sets of parents, Peter and Margaret Van Garsel and Erwin and Elsie Zielke.  The Michigan native made his way south and was a resident of Fort Myers for a number of years. When he left Ft. Myers he moved to Buford, GA. and made his home there for the next 20 years before moving to Jasper, FL.  Art was a vegetable farmer and long before fancy GPS guidance systems, he was known for his perfectly straight planted rows of vegetables. With farming comes the ability to fix anything and so it was natural that he was one of the finest auto mechanic's around. Art loved anything to do with John Deere tractors but his talent was not limited to working on tractors, he loved rebuilding the older model vehicles before computers took over. He was also a real wood- craftsman and loved nothing better than to get out in his shop with a good wood-working project. When Art was not working or piddling in his shop, he loved nothing more than being around family and friends. He loved a good joke and enjoyed a good prank every once in a while. In his last days when he was unable to communicate well with words, it was that smile and laughter that let you know Art was still telling a good story. He was loved by many and will be missed by all that knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Aileen Goldie Van Garsel, Jasper, FL.; one son and daughter-in-law,  Tim and Melissa Morgan of Knoxville, TN.; two brothers, Bob Van Garsel ( Ernestine), Ft. Myers, FL. and Eugene Van Garsel  ( Betty), Munfordville, KY.; five sisters, Dolores Yelvington, Ft. Myers, FL., JoAnn Bergeron ( Jim), Statenville, GA., Ellen Machemer ( Mel) and Arlene Frobel ( Don), all of Stevensville, MI., and Jan Zielke, Chicago, IL.; three grandchildren, Candice Webb (Chuck), Scott Morgan and Andrew Morgan; five great grandchildren. Also surviving is his extended family of brothers-in law and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved beyond measure.

Funeral services were held  Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL. with Pastor Roger Hutto officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 6037 West U.S. Hwy 90, Lake City, FL. 32055.