Ernest G. Claasen
North Newton - Ernest G. Claassen, 99 years of age, of North
Newton, KS passed away in North Newton Saturday afternoon, July 17, 2021. He
was born on March 2, 1922 at Beatrice to Henry and Margaret (Penner) Claassen
and graduated from Beatrice High School in 1941. He lived near Holmesville, in
Beatrice, with his son in New Mexico, and then moved to North Newton, KS in
2017. Ernest and Irene Dyck were married on January 20, 1951 near Whitewater,
KS. He had farmed and also worked at Petersen Mfg. in DeWitt for 24 years. He
had been an active member of the Beatrice Mennonite Church.
Survivors include 2 daughters Linda Claassen Jones and
Marian Claassen, both of Newton, KS; son Richard Claassen and wife Ruth of
Truth or Consequences, NM; 5 grandchildren Chris (Jen) Jones of Lawrence, KS,
Hans (Niro) Swager of Seattle, Evan Claassen of Taos, NM, Andrew (Sharon
Salinas) Claassen of Harrisburg, VA, and Czesia Claassen of Truth or
Consequences, NM; 2 great grandchildren Paxton and Mackenna Jones of Lawrence;
sisters in law Elfriede Claassen and Alice Dyck; many other family members and
friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Irene (2009); twin
infant daughters Rebecca and Ruth; brothers Henry and Arthur Claassen.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, July
28th, 2021 at the Beatrice Mennonite Church with Rev. Tim Amor officiating. The
family desires casual attire to be worn. Private family burial will be held at
the Mennonite Cemetery near Beatrice. The body will lie in state Tuesday, July
27, 2021 from 10-8:00 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the
family greeting friends from 5-7:00 PM., and not at the church. In lieu of
flowers, a memorial has been established to the Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC) with the funeral home in charge. Sign Ernest's online guest book and
watch his video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com.
These services have been entrusted to the
Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.
