Alfred H. Claassen

Alfred (Al) H. Claassen passed from this life into the arms of his Savior Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Landis Homes in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
He was born Feb. 2, 1925 in Beatrice, Nebraska, the eldest of six children born to Aron N. and Helen (Wiebe) Claassen.
Alfred grew up on the family farm southeast of Beatrice. He was a hard worker from an early age, taking special interest in the registered polled Hereford herd developed by his father and uncle. He was a member of both 4-H and FFA, and attended Stall Country School before spending a year at a local German school.
A good student, he graduated from Beatrice High School and received a Union Pacific Scholarship. He chose to remain on the farm where he was needed.
On Aug. 2, 1950, Alfred married Valois Penner. They lived briefly on the family farm, where daughter Sharon was born, and then at Plymouth. They then moved to a ranch near Fairbury where daughter Carol and son David were born. Early in their marriage, they volunteered on a building project on the Hopi School at Oraibe, Arizona, sparking a life-long love of active service.
In 1970, the family moved to the Imperial area where Alfred worked for many years with German Land and Cattle Company. He became involved in CROP walks, a passion that lasted decades. He was participating well into his 80’s. After 28 years of marriage, Valois died in a tragic truck accident.
In 1988, after his retirement, Alfred moved to Akron, Pennsylvania for a short-term volunteer service assignment with Mennonite Central Committee.
He met Gladys Moyer, a fellow volunteer, and they were married on Aug. 12, 1989. They lived in Akron following many avenues of volunteering and service. They also enjoyed travelling to visit family and friends and were active members of Akron Mennonite Church.
Alfred and Gladys moved to Landis Homes in Lititz, Pennsylvania in 2014. Gladys preceded Alfred in death in 2016. Alfred’s faith was strong and was made evident in the many lives he touched through a lifetime of faithful service.
He is survived by daughters Sharon (Bob Still) Claassen of Steilacoom, Washington, Carol (Vern) Friesen of Wallace and Janelle (David) Moyer Zigon of Vandling, Pennsylvania and by son David (Sharon Starr) Claassen of Great Stukeley, United Kingdom; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, P.O. Box 500 Akron, PA 17501, https://donate.mcc.org or Mennonite Economic Development Association, 1891 Santa Barbara Dr., Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601, https://www.meda.org.