George Gassmann, 59, Olney a community leader since he returned to Olney in 1950, died this morning August 29, 1986 in his home.  Funeral Mass in St. Joseph's Catholic Church with the Rev. Fathers George Mauck and Chris Hill presiding.

Mr. Gassmann was born September 18, 1926 in Olney, the son of Zean and Gertrude Weber Gassmann. He married Barbara Elkins August 26, 1950.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; five daughters, Carrie Burrows of Glen Ellyn; Emily and Judy Gassmann both of Chicago; Harriett Gassmann, Irving, Texas; Beth Petty, Olney; three sons, Chris Gassmann, Olney; George Gassmann, San Diego, Calif.; Dan Gassmann, Chicago; two granddaughters; four sisters, Mary Stonecipher, Olney; Kay Schaub, Augusta, Maine; Martha Kraeger, Chicago; Trudy Reynolds, Rockford; two brothers, Henry Gassmann, Olney and Frank Gassmann, Madison, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers and sisters.

Mr. Gassmann founded Illini Builders, a general construction company in 1950 after serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II and graduating from the University of Illinois.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and served on the parish council and school board. He was a president of the Olney Chamber of Commerce and Olney Rotary Club. He has been director of Olney Savings & Loan Association since 1969. He was a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and Foundation, Olney American Legion and Olney Elks Lodge.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)