Claassen, Paul U. (1899-1981)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1981 Nov 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1899 Jun 19

Text of obituary:

NEWTON & VICINITY

Services for Paul U. Claassen, 82, of Whitewater were held Nov. 7 at the Emmaus Mennonite Church with Alvin Kleinsasser in charge. Claassen died Nov. 4. He was married in 1928 to Helen Regier, who died in 1943. In 1959 he married Anna Regier, who died in 1979. He served as a member of the Mennonite Mutual Aid board of directors and the CROP board. Surviving are a son, Olin of rural Whitewater; a daughter, Carolyn (Mrs. Art) Busenitz of Benton; four brothers, Ernest, Carl and Arnold of Whitewater and Herbert of Benton; five sisters, Mrs. Martha Wiebe, Mrs. Esther Wiebe, Elsie (Mrs. Henry) Claassen, Hilda (Mrs. John) Entz and Edna (Mrs. Gus) Regier, all of Whitewater; and 11 grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1981 Dec 31 p. 11

Text of obituary:

PAUL U. CLAASSEN

Paul U. Claassen was born June 19, 1899 to John H. and Elizabeth Thierstein Claassen near Whitewater, Kan. He died at his home Nov. 4, 1981 at the age of 82.

His early childhood was spent on a farm, where he enjoyed the company of seven sisters and seven brothers. His relationship to his family was very important to him and continued to be so for many years—farming in partnership with his brother, Carl, and later with his son and grandsons.

He was baptized May 19, 1918 by Gustav Harder and became a member of the Emmaus Mennonite Church. His life demonstrated a deep commitment to his Lord and to his church.

In 1928 he married Helen Regier. Three children were born to this union. Together, they shared life's joys and sorrows for nearly 15 years before her death in 1943. A son, Rodney, died in 1938. In 1951 he was married to Anna Regier, and they were privileged to share 28 years together.

He was active as a farmer-stockman, but also willingly gave of his time to the church and to community affairs, serving as church trustee and relief committee member, president of Butler County CROP, treasurer of Mennonite Mutual Aid and president of Butler County Farm Bureau.

His education was limited, but his mind was always learning. He was a trusted friend, a sensitive person and creative in testing new ideas. He enjoyed good health and remained active on the farm until the day before his death.

Surviving are his daughter, Carolyn and husband Art Busenitz; his son, Olin and wife Carol; four brothers, Ernest, Carl, Arnold and Herbert; five sisters, Martha Wiebe, Esther Wiebe, Elsie (Mrs. Henry) Claassen, Hilda (Mrs. John) Entz and Edna (Mrs. Gus H.) Regier; and grandchildren.