On 22 March 1887 Friedrich Hassel was ennobled by the emperor, in recognition of his long service. One result was that his family name changed from "Hassel" to "von Hassel". Between 16 May 1888 and 21 March 1889 he commanded the 15th Infantry Brigade, based in Erfurt. After that, promoted again, now to the rank of Lieutenant General, he was given command of the 6th Division, based in Brandenburg an der Havel. However, he was pensioned out of the army, with the usual ceremony, on 12 August 1890 due to illness. Two months later he died at a sanatorium in the Harz mountain region.
