Jon Hassler was an American author best known for his evocative portrayals of small-town Midwestern life. His acclaimed novels, including "Staggerford," "Simon's Night," and "The Love Hunter," earned him a reputation as a master of character-driven storytelling. Hassler's works often explored themes of community, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of rural Minnesota.
Born in Minneapolis, Hassler spent his formative years in the small towns of Staples and Plainview, an experience that deeply influenced his writing. After earning degrees from St. John's University and the University of North Dakota, he taught English at both high school and collegiate levels, including positions at Bemidji State University and Brainerd Community College. In 1980, he became Writer-in-Residence at Saint John's University, where he balanced teaching with his literary career. Despite being diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in 1994, Hassler continued writing until his death in 2008, completing his final novel just days before passing away at age 74. The Jon Hassler Theater in Plainview stands as a testament to his enduring literary legacy.