John R. Claassen

John R. Claassen, age 99, of Plymouth, Michigan, passed away on August 14, 2026. He was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1926, in Omaha, Nebraska, to John Peter and Justina (Regier) Claassen. On May 25, 1957, he married Mary Little, they were married for 54 years until her death in 2011. John and Mary crafted a family that showcased their innate ability to nurture, encourage and teach by example. They would say of themselves as a couple, “together we are one really great person,” showing their recognition that they each brought different talents and gifts to the marriage and their life together.

John graduated from North High School, Omaha with the Class of 1943. He continued his education at Iowa State University until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1945. John proudly served his country during World War II and was stationed at Camp Wolters in Texas. Following the end of the war, he returned to Iowa State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Agriculture. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.

John was a farm manager and rural appraiser, a career that combined his knowledge of agriculture with his strong business sense. He did more than appraise farms; he also managed the business side of the properties and worked closely with the farmers and families he served. He developed lasting relationships with his clients and tenant farmers, treating everyone with respect and placing great value on those connections. Fiercely honest and committed to doing things the right way, John earned the trust of those around him and built a long and successful career. He retired in 1994 and moved to Hillsboro, Oregon to enjoy a new chapter in his life with Mary. After Mary’s passing, John moved to Plymouth, Michigan to be closer to his family. John referred to his life in Michigan as his “bonus life.”

John was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was a hands-on, tender, and nurturing father and grandfather who was always there to support his family. Family was at the heart of John’s life, and he cherished the time he spent with those he loved.

John was also an artist who expressed his creativity through drawing and painting. He was especially known for his Mickey Mouse renderings that he drew to delight children and entertain adults. Music was another lifelong passion. John was a gifted singer who loved singing in church and was always the loudest (and best) voice in the choir. He sang in choirs throughout his life, and when he wasn’t singing a hymn, he could often be heard channeling Nat King Cole or any of his favorite crooners.

John was deeply involved in his community wherever he lived. His years in Omaha had him working through his church to revitalize neighborhoods, mentor to young adult mission volunteers, and support the civil rights movement. John and Mary fostered infants awaiting adoption which eventually led to the addition of their youngest son, Aaron, to the family. After moving to Oregon, he learned Spanish so he could better communicate with the Hispanic population in his community. He volunteered in the schools, reading with children, and using his language skills there. In Michigan, John, while living at Independence Village Plymouth, lead a book group, was an ambassador to prospective residents and their families, sang in the choir and participated in talent shows. With the help of Independence Village, John established a program connecting residents with the Sarah Fisher Center, where seniors traveled to read to young children.

John remained active throughout his life. He was a member of the Mustangs Club, a group of veterans who gathered each month to reminisce about World War II and share stories of their lives and experiences as veterans along with a variety of activities that bonded them as a brotherhood. Always committed to staying active and healthy, John began weightlifting at the age of 89. His weightlifting gym was more than exercise but a community where he found social, spiritual, intellectual and physical growth. At 92, he began competing and gained recognition for his accomplishments, including being featured in the Detroit Free Press and The New York Times. His personal record was a 250-pound deadlift at the age of 92.

John was an extraordinary man who cared deeply for his family, valued his friendships, and never stopped learning, growing, or finding ways to contribute to those around him. He often shared the words, “We are all connected,” a phrase that reflected the way he lived his life and one he shared whenever he had the opportunity.

John is survived by his children, Cynthia Fox, Rebekah (Brian) Ventura, Suzanne (Bob) Craik, Leah (John) Sealey, John P. (Clasina) Claassen, and Aaron Claassen; 10 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his infant sister Marian Claassen and his sister Betty Miller.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Independence Village, 14707 Northville Road, Plymouth. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to The Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126 or The Southern Poverty Law Center, PO Box 8952, Topeka, KS 66608-8952 or The Mennonite Central Committee, 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500.