Claassen, Peter M. (1858-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Sep 28 p. 4

Birth date: 1858 Mar 4

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services will be conducted at the First Mennonite church Friday afternoon at 3:00 for Peter M. Claassen, 92, retired miller and the last charter member of the First church. He died Tuesday at his home on East Fourth street after a long illness. Born March 4, 1858, he had been a resident of Newton for 72 years. He formerly owned the Claassen Flour mill on East Sixth street, now operated by his son, P. D. Claassen. Also surviving are two daughters, Mary and Agatha Claassen of Newton, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Nov 9 p. 6

text of obituary:

PETER M. CLAASSEN

Peter M. Claassen, son of Rev. Peter and Anna (Andres) Claassen was born near Marienburg, Germany on March 4, 1858. He grew up under Christian influence and training of his parents and of the church and school of his home community, and also attended high school at Gnadenfrei in the years 1871-1872.

On May 17, 1875, he was baptized on confession of his faith in the Heubuden Mennonite church by Rev. Gerhard Penner and received into the membership the Heubuden Mennonite church.

In 1878, with his parents and their family, he came from Germany to Newton, Kansas. They located at Fourth and Pine streets, the site of the present Claassen residence. Here he became a charter member of the First Mennonite church and his death removes the last of the charter members.

On June 2, 1884, he was married to Elisa Kroeker. To this union four children were born, Anna, Mrs. B. W. Entz; Peter D., Herman C., and Lizzie, Mrs. John J. Penner. Of these Anna, Mrs. B. W. Entz, Herman and Lizzie, Mrs. John J. Penner, have preceded him in death.

On May 29, 1895, after 11 years of happy married life this union was dissolved through the death of his wife, leaving him with the four small children. In this sorrow grandmother Kroeker stood by side with help and sympathy.

On April 8, 1897, he was married to Elizabeth Neufeld of Newton who thus became mother to motherless children, caring them with a mother's love and devotion. To this second union two daughters, Mary and Agatha, were born.

As a young man, coming to new country, he worked for a short time in a lumber yard but later learned the trade of a miller. He worked in the Burrton mill and the Bernhard Warkentin mill at Halstead and later purchased the mill at Alta. Here he lived for several years operating the mill. Here all the children were born and many fond memories are cherished of the Alta home and its surroundings.

In 1906 he moved to Newton with his family where he owned and operated the Claassen Flour Mill on East 6th street. He retired from active business in 1940, but kept an active interest in the mill until his last days.

His was an active life, always ready to extend a helping hand to the needy, supporting his church and all worthy civic and community activities. He was respected and esteemed by his customers, his fellow citizens of Newton and all who knew him.

In March 5, 1936, after 39 years of married life death again came into the home and once more took the wife and mother of the home, to the heavenly home. Since then the two daughters, Mary and Agatha, lovingly provided the comforts of the home for their father.

Several years ago his health began to fail. Most of this time, love and care was provided for him in his home. Three years were spent at the Halstead hospital. He greatly appreciated the care of the nurses and the understanding and help of the doctors. He was permitted to spend the last months of his life in his own home, and though his health failed rapidly he was up and around to the last day. At 2 o'clock Tuesday morning, Sept. 26, he quietly and peaceably departed this life, at the age of 92 years, six months and 22 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure two daughters, Mary and Agatha of the home, one son, Peter D. and wife, two sons-in-law, sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, a large circle of relatives and many friends.

On Friday, Sept. 29, at 2:30 o'clock the family gathered in the home for a brief meditation with Rev. D. J. Unruh in charge. At 3:00 o’clock services were held in the First Mennonite church. Rev. D. J. Unruh and Rev. J. E. Entz officiating. A mixed double quartet sang three of his favorite hymns. "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," "O Holy Saviour, Friend Unseen," and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”

The singers were Mrs. D. J. Unruh, Mrs. Walter Thiesen, Mrs. B. E. Regier, Mrs. G. D. Claassen, P. C. Andres, H. J. Andres, Karl Busenitz, and B. E. Regier. The organist was Prof. W. H. Hohmann.

Pallbearer [sic] were six grandsons: Walter B. Entz, Daniel E. Entz, Willard C. Entz, Herman M. Claassen, Donald L. Claassen, and Paul R. Penner.

He was tenderly laid to rest in the Claassen plot in the Greenwood cemetery. The double octet also sang several selections at the cemetery. The beautiful chime music of the Draper funeral coach gave a fitting climax for this sad occasion.

The Mennonite obituary: 1950 Oct 17 p. 691