Eugene Claassen

Eugene S. “Gene” Claassen, 85, died Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton.

He was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Newton to Herman F. and Lydia “Goertz” Claassen.

Eugene was a prominent farmer and horseman on 24th Street in Northeast Newton. He was a wonderful neighbor and a man of his word who knew no stranger. He was loved by many.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anna Rebecca.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013, at First Mennonite Church in Newton, with the Rev. Jimmy Dodd of Kansas City presiding. Burial will precede the memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Village Hutchinson or Kidron Bethel