Claassen, Aaron J. (1887-1977)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1977 Oct 27 p. 11

Birth date: 1887 Nov 17

text of obituary:

AARON J. CLAASSEN

Aaron J. Claassen, son of Aaron E. and Anna Janzen Claassen, was born at Beatrice, Neb. on Nov. 17, 1887. He grew up in Gage County and lived on a farm in the Beatrice area until 1957 when he retired in Beatrice.

A highlight in his life was the year 1912 which he spent helping build the Panama Canal. He often spoke of his experiences there.

On April 27, 1917, he was married to Gertrude Wiebe. They had been married 49 years when she died in may 1966. they adopted two children, Ellen and Danny.

Aaron was interested in progressive agriculture and spent much time and energy working with farm organizations. He was a charter member of the Farm Bureau, served on the board of the Federal Land Bank in Beatrice and was always active in soil conservation practices and experimenting with new crop varieties. He was designated a Master Farmer in 1930 by the "Nebraska Farmer" publication.

He was baptized June 3, 1906 by Rev. Gerhard Penner. He was always active in church and conference affairs. He became a charter member of the Beatrice Mennonite Church Jan. 7,1926 and served on the church board for many years.

The Mennonite Hospital was a special concern and he worked on various committees there. Missions, Bethel College, Mennonite Biblical Seminary, MCC and Mennonite Disaster Service were all special interests that he supported generously.

He had looked forward to celebrating his 90th birthday on Nov. 17, but the Lord called him to a far better celebration. He died Oct. 14, 1977.

He is survived by a daughter, Ellen; three grandsons and eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Anna Linscheid, North Newton, Kan., and Margaret Bixel, Bluffton, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his son, Danny; three brothers, Cornelius, John J. R., and Daniel; and one sister, Catherine.