Claassen, Cornelius F. (1859-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Jan 15 p. 1

Birth date: 1859 Nov 25

text of obituary:

C. F. Claassen Died At Halstead Hospital Friday, Jan. 10

WIDELY KNOWN PRESIDENT OF KANSAS STATE BANK PASSES AT AGE OF 81

C. F. Claassen, citizen of Newton since the early '80s and widely known as president of the Kansas State Bank, died last Friday at the Halstead hospital in Halstead. Death followed an operation to which he had submitted a few days before. He was 81 years old last Nov. 25.

Mr. Claassen was born in Marienburg, Germany, Nov. 25, 1859, and came to Kansas in 1878. In 1888 he entered the loan and real estate business, and four years later, in partnership with B. Warkentin, C. W. Goss and Jacob Linn of Halstead organized the Kansas State Bank in Newton. In 19808 Bernhard Warkentin was tragically killed while traveling in Palestine, and Mr. Claassen was called to succeed him as present of the bank. Through his efficient work the bank has enjoyed steady progress until today it is one of the leading financial institutions of the community.

Aside from his business interests, Mr. Claassen also devoted much time to the work of the First Mennonite church of which he was a member, and to the work of the Mennonite conference. From 1920 to 1933 he served as treasurer of the Emergency Relief Board; he was General Conference treasurer from 1912 to 1918; and treasurer of Bethel Deaconess Home from 1910 to 1930.

His parents were Peter and Anna Claassen of Germany. On Dec. 18, 1884, he married Marie Entz, with whom he celebrated the 56th wedding anniversary last December.

Surviving are his wife, and the following children: Cornelius W., Acting vice-president of the Kansas State Bank; Mrs. Karl A. Richert, John and Anna at home; and Theodore E., Mennonite relief commissioner in London, England, the only one of the immediate family who was unable to attend the funeral.

Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite church Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. E. Entz and Dr. A. Warkentin, who were assisted by Dr. James Rayburn. Grandchildren and nephews were the pall bearers. A cable from Ted E. Claassen in London, was read at the funeral services. Interment was made in Greenwood cemetery.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Jan 22 p. 2

text of obituary:

Cornelius F. Claassen

Cornelius F. Claassen, son of Rev. Peter Claassen and Anna Andres Claassen was born in Kaminke, Marienburg, Germany, Nov. 27, 1859, and fell asleep in the Lord on Friday morning, Jan. 10, 1941, at the age of 81 years, one month and 14 days.

he received his education in the parochial school, and later in the high school at Gnadenfrei, Silesia.

Early in life, under the influence and example of godly parents, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour, and became a member of the Mennonite church, which he faithfully supported with his presence, gifts, and prayers.

In 1878, with parents, brothers and sisters, he came to the United States. Returning to Marienburg for his bride Marie Ensz, they were married Dec. 18, 1884, and have lived in and around Newton for 56 years.

Their home was blessed with nine children, four of whom preceded him in death. These surviving are Cornelius W., Newton, Mrs. K. A. Richert, Newton, John P. and Anna M. of the home, Ted E., Newton, now representing the Mennonite Central Committee in London.

He was thorough, efficient, and considerate in his many business interests, which began when he entered the insurance and real estate business, in which he engaged for a number of years, later disposing of it to the late J. B. Regier in 1905. He then took active part in the Kansas Sate Bank as cashier and at the death of Bernhard Warkentin in 1908, was elected President of the Bank which office he held until his death.

Many other positions of trust were bestowed upon him. He was elected as a board member of the Bethel Deaconess Home and Hospital Society in April 1906, and and [sic] was vitally interested and active in the erection and development of the Bethel Deaconess Hospital, serving as treasurer of the institution until 1935. He was also treasurer of the Emergency Relief Board of the General Conference of Mennonites from 1920-33, and served in many committees of trust in both the conference and his home congregation.

He leaves to mourn his sudden passing, his loving wife, three sons, two daughters, a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, eleven grandchildren, one brother, P. M. Claassen, one sister, Mrs. John Regier and a host of relatives and friends.

A Tribute

As we stepped through the door this evening, our big black chair was empty, Grosspa. it seems as if you have taken a friend for a ride, and perhaps stopped for friendly little visits before supper.

You are past 80 now but growing old so graciously.

As we thus muse, our thoughts slip back through the years when we too, were younger, and you and Mother were busy caring for our varied needs, entertaining friends, and making a home for strangers setting us an example of dealing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with your god. Even disappointments and heartaches deepened your trust in a personal God who doeth all things well.

Well we remember how happy you were when you celebrated your silver wedding with mother, as well as your radiant joy in the anticipation of your voyage back to your homeland together. Soon after your safe return came the golden wedding, which seemed the climax of god's grace and blessing upon your home.

Three of us had established homes of our own, and gradually we realize that we are calling you by a new name, "Grosspa" and "Grossma" now. Grandchildren too tip-toe in and out of the dear home with us, seems we just can't stay away. Small wonder, for in joy or sorrow you were interested, often sharing with us those lovely poems, hymns, or Scriptures thus revealing the secret of your radiant life, — namely, a constant love and adoration for the Saviour who came down to earth that He might bring us to God.

Of late our visits have been more numerous, but brief, allowing more time for you and Grossma to rest — and so tenderly cared for by Anna and John.

How you did enjoy the last family gathering on Christmas eve. We sang then, you red the Christmas story, and prayed so fervently that each of us might accept the Saviour as our Lord and King, that the family circle may be unbroken when He returns for His own.

Now it is growing dusk, and as we turn from our musings we realize that we will not see you in that empty chair again. You have slipped away, walking with God, as Enoch of old. You are not, for He took you away — away from the land of your pilgrimage journey, home to His heart.

"There is a place of sweet release
Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace
Near to the heart of God."

The Mennonite obituary: 1941 Jan 14 p. 8