Claassen, Edward (1904-1999)

Newton Kansan obituary: 1999 Jan 29 p. 2

Birth date: 1904 Dec 23

Text of obituary:

Edward 'Eddie' Claassen

Edward "Eddie" Claassen, 94, former maintenance engineer for Bethel College and a farmer, died Wednesday (Jan. 27, 1999) at Kansas Christian Home.

He was born Dec. 23, 1904, in Whitewater to Edward and Catherine (Thiessen) Claassen. He married Hester Rebecca Regier May 30, 1933, in Whitewater. She preceded him in death.

He was a member of the Faith Mennonite Church in Newton. He helped with MDS, visited Hutchinson Reformatory and sang in the 500 Mennonite Men's chorus.

Survivors include: three sons, Edward W. Claassen of Nortonville, Harold Claassen of Conway, Ark., and Charles "Chuck" Claassen of Topeka; two daughters, Liz McKim of Burrton and Clara Kerekes of North Newton; nine brothers, Walter W. Claassen of Newton, Louis Claassen of Paso Robles, Calif., David Claassen of Peoria, Ill., Henry Claassen, Orlando Claassen, Donald Claassen and Daniel Claassen, all of Whitewater, Melvin Claassen of Bluffton, Iowa, and Curt Claassen of Berne, Ind.; one sister, Marie Stucky of Elbing; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. He also was preceded in death by two sisters and one granddaughter.

Funeral services will be at 2 p. m. Monday at Faith Mennonite Church with the Rev. Gordon Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may call until 9 p. m. today, 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. Saturday and 1 to 9 p. m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home.

Memorials have been established with Kansas Christian Home Fellowship of John in care of the funeral home.