Obituary: Claassen, Clinton C.

CLAASSEN, Clinton C.

Clinton C. Claassen, 97, of Moses Lake died October 27, 2012.

He was born March 30, 1915 to William B. and Anna Claassen in Beatrice, NE, the second of five sons.

In 1929 the family moved to Colfax, WA where he graduated from high school and worked on the family farm.

Through church activities he met his partner in life.

He married Evelyn Jantz at her father’s home near Ritzville on May 31, 1941.

They moved to the Ruff area where together they farmed for over 50 years, enjoying the help of numerous friends and relatives during harvest and other busy times.

He was a member of Menno Mennonite Church serving in multiple roles and sharing his love of Jesus with others through his wit, generosity, and gentle smile.

He was a devoted husband, father, granddad, and great- granddad.

Three years after Evelyn’s death, he moved to Monroe House in Moses Lake in 2007 where he continued to find joy and strength in the time spent with family and visits to the farm.

Survivors include four children, Sharon (Stan) Meyer of Moses Lake, Eugene (Dorene) of Marlin, Cleon (Elizabeth) of Moses Lake, and Patrice Claassen of North Newton, KS; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two brothers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, and two brothers, Rudolph and Ernest.

His life will be honored at services held Friday, November 2, 2:00 pm at Menno Mennonite Church, 1378 North Damon Road, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Burial will precede at 1:00pm at Menno Mennonite Cemetery.

Viewing is held at Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata on Thursday and at the church on Friday from 11:00am - 12:30pm.

Memorials may be designated to the Washington Unit of Mennonite Disaster Service in care of Menno Mennonite Church.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family and view the online tribute video at nicolesfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of NICOLES FUNERAL HOME OF EPHRATA.