Daphne May Sackett

Daphne May Sackett, of Truman, passed away in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 after a nine-year battle with cancer. She was 55. Daphne was born on May 25, 1962 in Fairmont, Minnesota, the youngest daughter of Loren and Beulah (Briese) Wessel. Daphne grew up on a dairy farm outside Truman, Minnesota. She graduated from Truman High School with the class of 1980. A year later, Daphne married her soulmate, James Sackett, on July 24, 1981. Daphne and Jim made a home in the countryside outside of Truman, where they raised their three beautiful daughters, Jacqie, Shelby and Kelsey. A devout Christian with unflinching faith in God, Daphne taught her daughters to pray at an early age, and always strived to make them -- and everyone else in her life -- feel special. Selfless, compassionate and kind, Daphne truly put Jesus and others before herself. Whether she was organizing and participating in a Relay For Life walk/run or coaching a girls basketball team, Daphne did so with a beaming smile. Daphne started her coaching career right out of high school, helming the Truman Junior High team and assisting the varsity with Mr. Johnson from 1982 to 1985. She later coached at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Truman from 2000 to 2008 and then at Truman High School from 2011 to 2012. Additionally, she did book for the high school basketball team while her daughters played until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. More than a coach, Daphne was a loving mentor to her players, teaching them to not only be better on the court, but also better people off the court. To that end, Daphne’s teams often took home the sportsmanship award at tournaments throughout the seasons -- an honor that gave her great pride. In addition to her love for coaching, Daphne had a passion for animals, developing strong bonds with her horse (Obie), dogs and house cats. Daphne and her daughters even nursed abandoned kittens -- and once a turtle -- back to health. She also loved to read, garden, go for walks, and take family vacations. Daphne is survived by her husband of 36 years, James Sackett; daughters, Jacqueline (Paul) Malzahn, Shelby (Bryan) Hauge and Kelsey (Cody Geistfeld) Sackett; Grandson, James Malzahn; parents, Loren and Beulah Wessel; Siblings, Timothy (Jody) Wessel, Karen Roedel, Warren (Linda) Wessel, Tamara (Bruce) Lammers and Richard Wessel; Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Daphne is preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Guy and Lois Sackett, brother in law, Martin Roedel and niece Avenelle Lammers.   Kindly keep the Sackett and Wessel families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Daphne will be greatly missed by the many people she influenced and inspired. You are forever in our hearts, Daphne.  Funeral Service will be at 10AM on Friday, December 8, 2017 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church IN Truman with Pastor Nathan Rusert officiating.  Visitation Thursday evening from 4-7 PM at Zaharia Family Funeral Home, and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance 4604 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407. Zaharia Family Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.ZahariaFamilyFuneral.com