Mennonite
Historical
Society

of Alberta

Claassen, Herbert

January 18, 1926 – January 13, 2016

HERBERT CLAASSEN, beloved husband of Anneliese for 64 years, passed away peacefully with his son by his side on January 13, 2016 at the age of 89.  Beloved father of Brigitte (Bill) Palmer, Helga (Bob) Hobbs, and John (Karri) Claassen, dear Opa to Sharla & Tracy Palmer, Jim (Katrina) Hobbs, Candice (Dusty) Pearson, Curtis & Madison Claassen and 3 great grandchildren.  He is survived by sister-in-law Anna Claassen and nieces Ellen Ward and Anne Marie (John) Maegaard and nephew Carl (Denise) Claassen and several relatives in Germany.  Herbert was predeceased by his parents Jacob & Clara Claassen, his brothers Hans, Heinz and Kurt and sisters-in-law Irmgard and Lilli.  Herbert and Anneliese emigrated from Germany to Coaldale, Alberta in 1952, where he first worked as a farmhand, later then as a carpenter with Phaff Construction Ltd. retiring in 1985.  He thoroughly enjoyed his spare time fishing and camping with family and friends and cultivating his roses and garden. He then began his passion of beekeeping during his retirement, producing excellent quality honey for 20 years.  At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.