John Hassler, Minnesota Novelist, Playwright Dies

Minnesota novelist and the namesake of Plainview’s professional theater Jon Hassler died earlier today. Hassler retired from his post as writer in residence at St. John’s University of Minnesota in 1997 and was instrumental in starting the The Jon Hassler Theater and Rural America Writer’s Center in Plainview, Minnesota where Hassler lived during his middle school and high school years. Hassler adapted several of his books for the Plainview stage, including Grand Opening, which is set in Plum Minnesota, a pseudonym for Plainview.

Hasler was the author of numerous novels, most set in Minnesota including, Staggerford, Simon’s Night, Grand Opening, North of Hope, and The Love Hunter. In addition to St. John’s University, he taught at Bemidji State University and Brainerd Community College. Hassler was 74. His death is reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press online service.