Claassen, Orlando (1911-2004)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2004 May 22 p. 2

Birth date: 1911 Aug 18

text of obituary:

Orlando Claassen

WHITEWATER -- Orlando Claassen, 92, died Friday (May 21, 2004). He was a resident at Wheat State Manor. He was born Aug. 18, 1911, to Edward and Catherina Claassen of Whitewater. He attended grade school at Whitewater and Bible school at Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Calif. On March 20, 1941, he married Florence Kaufman of Freeman, S.D. He farmed in the Whitewater community until 1983, then moved to Waxhaw, N.C. to work as a Wycliffe Associate in the maintenance and construction department. In 1993, they returned to the Whitewater area to retire. He assisted in establishing the Grace Bible Church in Brainerd and the Grace Missionary Home. He supported Berean in many ways, even keeping numerous students in their home for the school year. He has been a long-time member at Swiss Church in Whitewater and a devoted husband and father. He is survived by: his wife Florence; two sons, Glenford Claassen of Waxhaw, N.C., and Darryl Claassen of Whitewater; seven daughters, Luanna Leichliter of Rochester, Minn., Anita Thiessen of Topeka, Arlys Wiens of Munich, N.D., Christine Harms of Newton, Evanelle Olinger of Wichita, Priscilla Litke of Port Washington, Wis., and Carol Blakeman of Woodland, Calif.; 35 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; six brothers, Henry, Donald and Daniel of Whitewater, David of Peoria, Ill., Curt of Berne, Ind., and Melvin of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and a sister, Marie Stucky of Newton. Preceding him in death are: his parents, Edward and Catherina Claassen; three brothers, Eddie, Walter and Louis Claassen; two sisters, Catherine Schroeder and Agnes Claassen; and one grandson, Evan Heidebrecht.