Claassen, Gerhard D. (1888-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 15 p. 6

Birth date: 1888 Feb 11

text of obituary:

— Funeral services for Gerhard D. Claassen, 68, a Newton resident for 28 years, were held Tuesday afternoon at the First Mennonite Church. Mr. Claassen, who operated the Claassen Transfer here for many years, died Nov. 8 at the home on Muse Street. He was born at Brainerd Feb. 11, 1888. Surviving are his wife, the former Mary Toevs, a daughter, Mrs. Dale Horst of Bareville, Pa.; two brothers, John and Leonard of Newton; and two sisters, Mrs. J. C. Toevs of Newton and Mrs. Ella Regier of Whitewater.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 22 p. 8

text of obituary:

GERHARD CLAASSEN

Gerhard Claassen was born Feb. 11, 1888, near Whitewater, Kansas, the son of Gerhard D. and Elise Janzen Claassen. He grew up on a farm and attended rural school.

After the untimely death of his father, who took sick and died while in Canada looking for a new settlement, Gerhard and his brother John took over the responsibility of running the farm for their widowed mother.

From early youth he attended church and Sunday School and was baptized by Elder Gustav Harder in June 1906, joining the Emmaus church. On July 26, 1918, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the Medical Department until August 22, 1919, receiving an honorable discharge.

On Sept. 23, 1928, he was united in marriage to Mary Toevs, and together they established a home at Newton, Kansas. he then joined the First Mennonite church where he remained a faithful member until his death. Their daughter Rosemarie brought much sunshine and joy into their home. On Sept. 23,1953, they had the pleasure of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.

For many years Gerhard was engaged in the transfer business which he built up from a small beginning. About three years ago his health began to fail and very reluctantly he gave up his thriving business. Time was heavy on his hands but we never heard him complain. He was happy when friends and relatives would stop in to visit him. When the conversation was led to deeper things of life, he was greatly moved.

As time went on he needed more care. After being in the hospital several times, he was always happy to beat home always happy to be at home [sic phrase duplicated in original, phrase missing in original] cared for him until he quietly passed away on Nov. 8 at 3:30 p. m.

Those who mourn his passing are his wife, their daughter, Rosemarie and her husband Dale Horst of Bareville, Penn.; two sisters, Mrs. Gus Regier, Whitewater, and Mrs. J. C. Toevs, Newton; two brothers, John G. Claassen and Leonhard Claassen of Newton; and many relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Feb 19 p. 126