Roland Leonard Claassen

Roland Claassen

1926 - 2018

Obituary

Roland Leonard Claassen was born at home on Oct. 6, 1926, to Leonard and Helen Claassen. He died on Tuesday (May 8, 2018). Rol's 91 years were all spent in Newton. He attended Newton schools through the 11th grade.

At age 15, he began dating Donnis LaGree. They were married on June 11, 1950, with the union lasting 54 years until her death in March 2004.

Rol's business endeavors included a partnership with his father, Leonard, and brother, Richard, in Claassen Oil Company (a Phillips 66 Distributorship) and Claassen Lumber Company, which became Claassen Hardware and Lumber - a family-owned business for 64 years.

After closing the lumber yard, he maintained an office at Cedar Village until two weeks before his death.

Rol was a member of First Methodist Church, where he was active in the choir and various committees.

He is survived by his two sons: Darrel and his wife, LaRita, and Dan and his wife, Anna. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Brittany, Marisa, Taylor, Paige and Sam; and five great-grandchildren: Stella, Maverick, Mack, Kinley and Beckham.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donnis; and his brother, Richard.

Viewing and visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday (May 11, 2018) at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (May 12, 2018) at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to TMS Global (The Mission Society) in care of Peterson Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton.