Claassen, Henry A. (1872-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Nov 19 p. 11

Birth date: 1872 Dec 2

text of obituary:

HENRY A. CLAASSEN

Henry A. Claassen, son of Jacob E. and Marie (Warkentine) Claassen, was born on Dec. 2, 1872, at Kuntzendorf, Germany, where he spent his boyhood days. Before he was 16 years of age, he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Heubuden Church by Rev. Heinrich Penner.

Shortly after this time he came to America and lived in Beatrice, Neb. He came to Paso Robles, Calif. in 1896 and settled in the Godfrey country. On Oct. 19, 1899, he was married to Marie Hamm. Their home was blessed with eight children of whom Eric and Marie preceded him in death.

In 1909 the family moved to Willow Creek where he was a charter member of the Willow Creek Church. He took an active part in the church and enjoyed his life in the community. One of his delights was the outdoor life of hunting and fishing.

In 1945 he moved to Paso Robles and suffered a broken hip. He was hospitalized 10 days. He died quite unexpectedly but peacefully on Sept. 12 at the age of 91. He was a loving husband and a devoted father, and was known for his strong faith in Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Claassen and Gertrude, Agatha of Templeton, Emily, Bertha, and Ernest, all of Paso Robles, and Catharine of Richfield, Pa., many grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Oct 6 p. 623