Claassen, Ernest W. (1919-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jun 1

Birth date: 1919 Sep 16

text of obituary:

FATHER OF FOUR INSTANTLY KILLED BY FALLING TREE

Paso Robles, Calif. — A large congregation attended funeral services at the Second Mennonite church near here on May 22 for Ernest W. Claassen, 30, who was instantly killed May 20 while helping a neighbor fell a large tree. The pastor, Rev. Harley King was in charge of the services.

Mr. Claassen was active in church work, and was president of the choir, Sunday school teacher, and adviser to the Young People’s C. E. at the time at his death. He had recently been elected president of the California Mennonite Sunday School and C. E. Conference.

He leaves his wife, the former Betty Dueck, and four young sons: his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Claassen; four brothers and four sisters.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jun 8 p. 6

text of obituary:

ERNEST W. CLAASSEN

Ernest W. Claassen, son of Abraham G. and Agnetha (Schroeder) Claassen, was born near Paso Robles, Calif. September 16, 1919. He attended the public schools of the district and the Templeton high school.

He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and was baptized upon his confession of faith on May 20, 1934, and received into the fellowship of Second Mennonite church west of Paso Robles, by Rev. F. F. Jantzen. He found many opportunities to serve his Lord and Saviour in the church, the community and even a wider scope. He was president of the church choir and Sunday school teacher of the high school class, as well as adviser to the Young People’s Christian Endeavor society at the time of his death—places which will be difficult to fill for he was well liked and highly respected. Only recently he had been elected president of the California Mennonite Sunday School and Christian Endeavor Conference. He was always ready to help others who needed his help and above all a faithful witness for his Saviour.

On June 23, 1934, he was united in marriage to Betty Dueck and they made their home on the Claassen ranch near the church. Their home was gladdened by four sons: Walter Ernest, Arthur Raymond, Duane Alan, and Gordon Lee.

On May 18, I950, while helping a neighbor fell a tree he tripped and fell, and the trunk of the large oak tree lodged on his chest before he had time to get up out of its way. He died instantly but the Word of God which was his constant joy and food for his soul had given him a living hope with which he entered into the Saviour's presence. A new and treasured New Testament, a gift from his wife, was found in his shirt pocket. Only a few hours before he had studied a portion of the Word with his family and in prayer for his family besought God’s grace and help. He died at the age of 30 years, eight months and two days.

Living to share his memory are: his wife, Betty, and four small sons; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Claassen, four brothers, Aruthur [sic Arthur] at home, Herbert and Edgar of Paso Robles and Ted of Tacoma, Wash.: four sisters, Frieda, Mrs. Carlton Buck, Fullerton, Calif. Hilda, Mrs. Harold Franklin, Lydia, Mrs. Wesley Franklin, both of Paso Robles, and Edith, Mrs. Harold Johanson of Cottonwood, Calif. Two sisters preceded him in death: Elizabeth died in infancy in 1906 and Ella passed away in April 1943.

Many more distant relatives, neighbors, and friends share this time of sorrow, but are resigned to the Lord's will, knowing his is a glorious lot in the presence of the Lord.

Memorial services were held at the church May 22, 1950, conducted by his pastor and attended by a large assembly. Burial was in the church cemetery.

I Cor. 13:12 “For now are see through a glass darkly: but then face to face: now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

The Mennonite obituary: 1950 Jun 13 p. 418