Kirk Klassen

Kirk A. Klassen passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at his home in Prentice, Wis. from complications of cancer.

An open house for friends, family and neighbors was held at their home on Sunday, July 30, 2017.  A private memorial service for family is planned in the future.

Kirk was born Sept. 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, Iowa, 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 27, 1978, in Webster City, Iowa.   This union was blessed with two sons, Sean and Adam.  Kirk and his family made their home for many years in St. Marys, Ga., 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, Wash. and Adam (Dorie) of Lynden, Wash.; as well as his brother, Richard (Rachelle), of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.

He is preceded by his parents, Robert, June 18, 2017, and Betty, Aug. 8, 2013; and his brother, Craig, Aug. 8, 2013.

Memorial donations on Kirk’s behalf may be made to the Ogema Public Library or the Ogema Lions Club.