Claassen, Henry P. (1889-1967)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1967 Mar 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1889 Sep 23

text of obituary:

HENRY P. CLAASSEN

Henry Peter Claassen was born to J. J. and Catherine (Penner) Claassen on Sept. 23, 1889, in Gage County, Nebraska.

In June, 1908, he was baptized on his confession of faith in Jesus Christ by the late Elder Gerhard Penner and became a member of the First Mennonite Church in Beatrice, Neb. He received his education in the Gage County Elementary Schools and attended the parochial school sponsored by the church and taught by the late John K. Penner.

He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Thimm on May 29, 1913, and together they shared life's joys and sorrows for almost 54 years. To this union were born three daughters and one son, Henry Peter Jr., who preceded him in death at the age of seven months, in October 1921.

His life was one of devotion and love for his family. He was a farmer during most of his life, but also served as custodian of the First Church, Beatrice, for a number of years and also of a newspaper establishment in Beatrice.

Our husband and father had been in failing health for some time. On Jan. 14, 1967, he entered the hospital after suffering a stroke. He passed away Monday morning, Jan. 16, 1967.

Besides his wife Elizabeth, he leaves three daughters, Frieda Claassen of Elkhart, Ind., Dorothy, Mrs. Theodore Goossen, and Gertrude, Mrs. Don A. Claassen, of Beatrice; five grandchildren; one brother, Gustave Claassen; and four sisters, Katie Claassen, Mrs. Frank Goossen (Bertha); Helen Claassen, and Mrs. Elwood Keckley (Margaret), all of Beatrice, Neb.; and many relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1967 Feb 28 p. 155