Obituary

Edward "Eddie" Claassen, 94, Newton, father to Liz McKim of Burrton, died Wednesday, January 27, 1999 at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. He was born December 23, 1904 at Whitewater, the son of Edward and Catherine Thiessen Claassen. He worked for Bethel College as a maintenance engineer after being a farmer. He was a membmer of Faith Mennonite Church, helped with Mennonite Disaster Service and visited Hutchinson Reformatory and sang with the 500 Mennonite Men's Chorus.

On May 30, 1933, he married Hester Rebecca Regier in Whitewater. She preceded him in death. Other survivors include three sons, Edward W. Claassen, Nortonville, Kansas; Harold Claassen, Conway, Arkansas and Charles "Chuck" Claassen, Topeka; another daughter, Clara Kerckes, North Newton; nine brothers; Walter W. Claassen, Newton; Louis Claassen, Paso Robles, California; David Claassen, Peoria, Illinois; Henry Claassen; Orlando Claassen; Donald Claassen and Daniel Claassen, all of Whitewater; Melvin Claassen, Blufton, Iowa; and Curt Claassen, Berne, Indiana; sister, Marie Stucky, Elbing; ten grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and one step-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and a granddaughter.

Funeral was Monday, February 1 at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton with the Rev. Gordon Smith presiding. Burial was in Greenwowod Cemetery., Newton.