Klaassen, Perry Arvin (1939-2007)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2008 Jan 7 p. 12

Birth date: 1939 Aug 13

text of obituary:

PERRY A. KLAASSEN

Perry Arvin Klaassen, 68, died Oct. 15, 2007, almost seven years after he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He was born Aug. 13, 1939, to Rudolph and Edna Bushman Klaassen near Weatherford, Okla.

He graduated from Corn Bible Academy, Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., and the University of Kansas in Kansas City with a degree in medicine. He received a master’s degree in public health and tropical medicine from Tulane University. He was board certified in general preventive medicine.

His career began with a six-month stint at Gorgas Hospital, Panama Canal Zone. This was followed by three and one-half years of medical work near Calcutta, India, as an alternative to military service during the Vietnam War.

In 1973 he began a 31-year tenure as clinical director of Mary Mahoney Memorial Medical Center in Oklahoma City and at times also served as chief executive officer. For the past three and one-half years he served as clinical director for Central Oklahoma Integrated Network Services, soliciting physicians and hospitals to join efforts to care for the uninsured.

He was recognized for his work with and on behalf of the poor and uninsured. Among these awards was naming the Mary Mahoney Memorial Health Center medical wing the Klaassen Medical Clinic. Nationally he was recognized for his contribution to community-based health care with the Samuel U. Rodgers Achievement Award. His peers recognized his life’s work this past May when he was awarded the Gordon H. Deckert, M.D., Oklahoma State Medical Association Award for Community Service. Tabor College gave him the Merit Award for his outstanding service.

He was a member of the Canterbury Choral Society for more than 30 years and music leader in Memorial Road Mennonite Brethren Church.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Jeanie Vogt Klaassen; two sons, Paul and his wife, Lisa, of Arkansas City, Kan., and Matt and his wife, Jenelle, of Mount Albert, Ont.; two brothers, Dwight and Rolyn; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Erwin.