Marlin E. KLASSIE

KLASSIE, ARNE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/30/2014 at 21:49:06

July 26, 1924 ---- October 25, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Klassie have received word that their son, Lt. Marlin E. Klassie has been awarded the "Air Medal" for meritorious service and aerial proficiency in an attack upon enemy installations near Ponto di Piare, Italy on February 20, 1945. Marlin is a Thunderbolt pilot with the 12th air force and has been overseas since October, 1944. He has flown more than 30 combat missions. Dive bombing, rocket - firing and strafing nazi guns, troops, shipping and fortifications in Italy, Austria, Germany and Yugoslavia.

Humboldt Republican - Iowa
April 27, 1945

****

Mason City Globe Gazette - Iowa
November 8, 1945

RENWICK FLYER KILLED IN CRASH

Renwick- (AP) - Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Klassie, Renwick received word from the war department that their son Lt. Marlin Klassie was killed in a plane crash in Austria. Klassie had been in the service 3 years.

*****

Humboldt Republican --- Iowa
November 30, 1945

MEMORIAL SERVICES LT. KLASSIE AT RENWICK

Memorial services were held Sunday afternoon, November 25, at the Renwick Methodist church at two o'clock for Lt. Marlin E. Klassie. The Rev. P. W. Neal was in charge. Mrs. Shelby Nelson sang "O Rest in the Lord," and "The Lord's Prayer" accompanied at the piano by C. A. Richardson. Rev. Neal's message was "What is your life?" The American Legion presented the flag and Bob Lane sounded taps. Honorary pallbearers were Lt. Dieffendorfer, Lt. L. J. Klein, Lt. K. R. Plank, D. M. Mimbach, AMM 3/c, Sgt. C. S. Hefty and Sgt. Dean James.

Lt. Klassie was born at Renwick, Iowa, July 26, 1924, and died in the service of his country on October 25, 1945. He enlisted in 1942 and in February 1943 was called to the reserve air corps. He received his commission in April, 1944. His last visit home was in August 1944 just before he went overseas. He had completed sixty-four missions before the end of the war and had been awarded the-air medal and oak leaf clusters. His death occurred in a plane crash while on flight duty. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Klassie, and three sisters. Mrs. Elmo Arne, of Renwick, Lorraine of San Francisco and Pauline of Iowa City. The church was filled with friends and relatives and many heard the services through the public address system in the library at the light plant.