STEPHEN CRAIG CLAASSEN
1954 - 2017
Stephen Craig Claassen was born on May
28, 1954, to Richard and Diane (Darling) Claassen in Newton.
He was a graduate of Newton High School
and a member of the First Baptist Church of Newton.
Steve grew up in Newton and enjoyed a
typical childhood with many friends and activities. Hunting and
fishing with "him-paw" Darling was always a highlight in
his early years. He was active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and
was the pitcher for the neighborhood and Little League team. He also
ice skated and played ice hockey with his dad, brother and sister
while growing up. The family looked forward to and took yearly trips
to Colorado.
He played football in junior high
school, and competed and lettered in varsity high school tennis.
Steve worked with his dad, granddad and
uncle at Claassen Lumber and Claassen Oil Company while growing up.
After graduation, Steve was married
briefly to Debi Brown. He served as a rural route deliverer for the
postal system, until his retirement in 2014.
Steve did not have biological children,
but he was actively involved in raising Austin Murphy. They
maintained this relationship throughout Austin's adulthood.
Steve is survived by his mother, Diane
Claassen; brother, Brian Claassen; and sister, Shelley and her
husband, Larry Wall.
Steve was preceded in death by his
father, Richard Claassen.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10
a.m. Friday (April 7, 2017) at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. The
family will greet friends prior to the service at 9 a.m. Burial will
follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.
Memorials have been set up for the
following: First Baptist Church, 6th and Poplar, Newton, KS 67114 and
Good Shepherd Hospice, 301 N. Main St. #300, Newton, KS 67114.
Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
