Saturday, July 29, 2017

KIRK A. KLASSEN

Kirk A. Klassen passed away on Wednesday July 26, 2017 at his home in Prentice, WI from complications of cancer.
Kirk was born September 29, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert L. Klassen and Elizabeth A. Klassen (Biwer), the second of three sons.  He graduated from Eagle Grove High School in Eagle Grove, IA and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, retiring as a Chief in 1997.  He married Sharon A. Klassen (Kuecker) on May 27th, 1978 in Webster City, IA.   This union was blessed with two sons, Sean and Adam.  Kirk and his family made their home for many years in St. Marys, Georgia, where he served at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.  In 1997 they moved to Wisconsin to build their dream home in Prentice, and in 2002 Kirk and Sharon began living full time on the acreage they had improved for so many years.
 Kirk has been described as a Renaissance man and a man of service, dedicated to serving his country, community and family.  In retirement he was a proud member of the Ogema Lions club, served on the Board of Directors of Price Electric Cooperative and was renowned in the community for his recurring role as “Cleb” with the Ogema Players.  Kirk was a craftsman with a wide variety of interests including woodworking, stained glass art, cooking, automotive work, construction, landscaping and design.
Kirk is survived by his wife Sharon and his two sons Sean of Bellingham, WA and Adam (Dorie) of Lynden WA, as well as his brother Richard (Rachelle) of Desert Hot Springs, CA.  He is preceded by his parents Robert (June 18, 2017) and Betty (August 8, 2013), and his brother Craig (August 8,2013).
Memorial donations on Kirk’s behalf may be made to the Ogema Public Library or the Ogema Lions Club. 
An open house for friends, family and neighbors will be held at their home on Sunday, July 30, 2017, from 3 – 7 pm.   A private memorial service for family is planned in the future.