Maurice L. Claassen
Obituary
Great Bend -- Maurice L. "Maurie" Claassen, 91,
died on May 5, 2012, at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in
Wichita. He was born on Feb. 9, 1921, in Newton, the son of Cornelius and Addie
(Lander) Claassen. After meeting Ruth McIlrath at The University of Kansas,
Maurie and Ruth were married on Nov. 25, 1945, in Great Bend. She died on July
14, 1982. A longtime Great Bend resident, Claassen worked in the insurance
industry for McIlrath Insurance Agency and retired from Thurman-Morrison and
Associates. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II and
attaining the rank of captain.
Maurie was a member of First Presbyterian Church, American
Legion Argonne Post 180 and Rotary International, all of Great Bend. He also
was involved in various other civic, community and city organizations,
including serving on the Great Bend City Council. Maurie was an avid K. U.
Jayhawks fan, also enjoying R.V. travel, camping and golf.
Survivors include one daughter, Catherine Salcito and her
husband Donald of Denver; one daughter-in-law, Rosemary Claassen of Denver; one
brother, Walter Claassen of Newton; longtime close friend and companion, Geneva
Wendler of Great Bend; and four grandchildren, Nicholas D. Claassen, Jordan C.
Salcito, Kendyl R. Salcito and Anne-Marie Salcito.
Maurie was preceded in death by his son, Terry L. Claassen,
and one grandson, Benjamin, who died in a plane crash in October 1996. He also
was preceded in death by one brother, Lander Claassen, and by one sister,
Barbara Smucker.
Funeral services were May 8 at Bryant Funeral Home in Great
Bend. The Rev. Dr. Scott V. Solether officiated. Entombment is in Great Bend
Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the
D.A.V. or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.
