Claussen, Willard (1928-2022)

CLASSEN, HERBST

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/10/2022 at 11:40:36

Willard (Bill) Classen was born July 26, 1928 to Louise and Louis Classen in Glenvil, Nebraska and died July 3, 2022 at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines, IA.

Bill attended country school and graduated high school in Campbell, NE. He farmed with his father for one year and then attended the University of Nebraska Agricultural College, a member of Alpha Zeta Honorary Fraternity and graduated in 1950. He enlisted in the Army and spent most of his three years in Germany. In January 1954 he returned to Hastings, NE where he met Coryene (Corky) Herbst and they were married in August 1954. Bill taught Vocational Agriculture in St. Edward, NE for two years after which he joined Rain and Hail Insurance Bureau in Omaha, NE. He retired thirty six years later as President of the company headquartered in West Des Moines, IA. Bill served on numerous National business related boards including National Crop Insurance Service and the American Association of Crop Insurers. Local boards included Bankers Trust, Living History Farms, Iowa Lutheran Hospital among others. He was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall Of Fame in 2008. Bill was also a Mason and recognized as a fifty year member of Za-Ga Zig Shrine.

His favorite time in retirement was his farm where he could garden, play with his tractors, old and new, and various motorized toys for himself and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Corky of 67 years, sons Gregg (Sharon) Elkhom, NE, Mark (Deb) Medina, MN, daughter Karen (Randy) Chamberlain, Harlan, IA, grandchildren Tyler Stecker (Amber) Spokane, WA, Kelly Kathol (Matt) Omaha, NE, Kayla Classen, Omaha, NE, Eric Classen, Scottsdale, AZ Brett Classen, Englewood, CO , Nicole Chamberlain Murfreesboro, TN , Aiden Jensen, Murfreesboro, TN, Daniel Chamberlain (Hannah) Des Moines, IA.

Twenty four nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, four brothers, Dale, Lamoine, Donald, Roger, and two sisters Marilyn Schmidt and Genene Hansen.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Edgewater staff in Beacon Memory Care, The Health Center, and Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care.

Bill shared many times how very fortunate he was for having a great life and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Des Moines Golf & Country Club on July 28th from 4:00-7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given in memory of Bill to:
Tunnel To Towers P.O. Box 70719 Philadelphia, PA 19176; Edgewater Good Samaritan 9225 Cascade Ave West Des Moines 50266; Alzheimers Association P.O. Box 71331 Clive, IA 50325.

Condolences to www.ilescares.com