of Mitchell, SD. formerly of Fremont
beloved husband and father, passed away in his home November 7, 2014.
Don was born on August 7, 1931, in Fremont, Nebraska to Charles and Emma Claasen. He attended Stecker District 15 one room school and graduated from Fremont High School, U.S. Navy Electronics Instructor School and attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He met Joyce Sundsboe during Easter morning breakfast at Immanuel Lutheran in Benson; they married November 20, 1955.
Don was owner and operator of Claasen Electronics Fremont NE, but he also had a heart for service. Don served in the United States Naval Reserves, and was active in local, state and national politics in the areas of Civil Defense, Emergency Preparedness, County Governance and Human Services. A Lifelong Lutheran, Don served on Salem Lutheran church council and Nebraska Synod ELCA, Advocacy Committee. In his spare time he enjoyed travel, gardening and storytelling with his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and best friend Joyce Joan Claasen, parents Charles and Emma Claasen, his sister June Sohl, and son in-law Glenn Sinclair. Don is survived by sons Stephen (Linda) Claasen and Paul Claasen, daughters Kay (Joe) Neubauer, and Susan Sinclair; seven grandchildren, Lillianna, Carrie-Anne, Kevin, Rebecca, Sarah, Laura, Bethany, and four great grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be Friday, 2pm at Salem Lutheran Church, Fremont, Nebraska. Visitation will be at the church only for one hour before the service on Friday. The committal will be in Memorial Cemetery with the Reverend Susan Sinclair presiding. A luncheon will follow in the Salem Lutheran Fellowship Hall.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Larry Beaver
Gresham, OR Wednesday, November 12, 2014 I'm so sorry to hear about Don. We were classmates at Fremont High and we started a business installing some of the first TV antennas in the city of Fremont. This was when we put them on the highest chimneys on the house. Every time I pass the May house on Military Avenue in Fremont I think of that high roof with a steep angle and remember how brave we must have been then. When ever I came to Fremont to visit relatives I liked to stop at Don,s shop to visit. I enjoyed his friendship. Sincerely, Larry BeaverKay Vance Feaster
Manchester, MO Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Sympathy to the whole family. Don and Joyce were longtime friends and neighbors and I have found memories of them both. Don and I had a running "Joke" whenever we saw each other he called me Blondie and I called him Curly.Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kay Feaster and the Vance "kids"
Adelaide vonSeggern Low
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, November 11, 2014 To Don's family, Over 65 years ago Don and my husband were good friends graduating from Fremont high in the class of 49. I knew Don from church and he said I know someone who would be a good husband for you. That's how I meet Harlan Low. Don took part in our wedding on June 6 1953 as an attendant. We also attended your parent's wedding in Omaha. We kept in contact until your parents moved out of state. He was a very good friend to us. He will be missed by his family. Maybe he and Harlan are already visiting in Heaven and talking about old memories.