Claassen, Curt Albert (1918-2017)

Mennonite World Review obituary: 2018 Jan 1 p. 15

Birth date: 1918 Sep 28

Text of obituary:

Curt Albert Claassen

Curt Albert Claassen, 99, of Berne, Ind., died Nov. 15, 2017, at Adams Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 28, 1918, to Edward and Catherine Claassen in rural Whitewater, Kan.

He married Olga Schultz on June 1, 1944, in Dallas, Ore.

He attended Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University) where he studied Bible to prepare for mission work. At Biola he met Olga. In later years he studied at UCLA, completed a bachelor's degree at Goshen College and studied at Denver Seminary.

He and Olga left for missionary service in India with the General Conference Mennonite Church in December 1945, where they served the churches of Mauhadi, Janjgir, Champa and Korba until 1973. Their faithful service included village evangelism, mentoring Indian evangelists, teaching in a Bible school, preaching and teaching, nurturing Christians in scattered villages and planting churches in Korba's urban industrial areas.

They were extremely disappointed when, in 1975, their visas to re-enter India were denied. He was then invited to join the staff of First Mennonite Church in Berne, where he and Olga quickly felt at home. Their gifts suited them well with his roles of associate and visitation pastor, and hers of hospitality and prayer. He continued on staff at First Mennonite for 20 years, until he was 77.

His zeal for Jesus Christ characterized him with joy, love and kindness, which touched all around him. His deep trust in God brought a steady peace even when things were difficult. From a very young age he played hymns and gospel songs on the piano, continuing to do so until just prior to his death.

Survivors include four sons, Lloyd (Gail) of Seattle, Wash., Gordon (Yarna) of Modesto, Calif., Eldon (Jan) of Fort Wayne and Loren (Patricia) of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Verbena Claassen and Martha Claassen; six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga, in 2010; nine brothers and three sisters.

Memorial services were held at First Mennonite Church in Berne. A private family burial took place in the MRE Cemetery, Berne. Memorial contributions may be for First Mennonite Church Missions.