KLAASSEN, Marlyn 1931-2015

KLAASSEN, BONK, POSS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/15/2015 at 00:36:00

Marlyn E. Klaassen

April 10, 1931 - July 12, 2015

George, Iowa - Marlyn Klaassen, age 84, of George, died Sunday, July 12, 2015 at his home near George.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 15th at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in George, with Rev. Paul Fischer officiating. Burial will follow at Zoar Presbyterian Cemetery in George.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of George.

Marlyn Klaassen was born on April 10, 1931 to Andrew and Bernice (Bonk) Klaassen. He had one brother, Alvin, to welcome him home. His father passed away in a farm accident when he was three years old. Marlyn, his brother, mother, and grandmother worked the family farm from then on.

Marlyn attended country school until 8th grade. He graduated high school in George. He had painful memories of his pony dumping him in the crick every day on the way home; and once or twice on his way to school.

He married Doris Poss on October 29th, 1952, celebrating their 62nd anniversary last fall. They lived on the family farm in a tenant house. When his mother and grandmother moved to town, they moved into the farmhouse that stands today. He was very proud of the fact that it became a century farm in 2005. Marlyn and Doris had four children; Alan, Marty, Vicki, and Shelli, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He had a fondness for German Sheppard dogs and spent many hours sitting on the porch with each one.

He was a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church where he served as Trustee. Marlyn also served on the George Elevator Coop Board for 10 years with one term as president. He held board positions on the Osceola County Rural Water board. When their kids were younger, he and Doris enjoyed square dancing, card club, playing softball and going to Little Rock on Saturday nights. Family was very important to him with many evenings spent playing cards with family and friends. He was employed part time by Sheldon Livestock Sales, where he made many lasting friendships.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Bernice Klaassen, and his son, Alan Klaassen. Through the years he lost many close friends and relatives who he held close to his heart.

He is survived by his wife Doris Klaassen, son Marty (Cathy) Klaassen, daughter Vicki (Scott) Hilbrands, daughter Shelli (Marcel) Dirks, grandsons: Joshua (Melissa) Klaassen, Jeremy (Jamie) Klaassen, Andrew Hilbrands, Dhalten Dirks, granddaughters: Lindsey (John) Hinsch, Courtney (Bryan) Mayer, Brittanie Dirks, Jasmine Dirks, and great-grandchildren: Ethan Bruns and Elyse Klaassen, Desiree, Isaiah, and Griffin Hinsch, Brayden Mayer, and Eli Harskamp. He is also survived by his brother Alvin (Jean) Klaassen.

Source: Jurrens Funeral Home website, 14 July 2015