Roland Leonard Claassen was born at home on October 6, 1926 to Leonard and Helen
Claassen. He died on May 8, 2018. Rol’s 91 years were all spent in Newton. At age 15,
he began dating Donnis LaGree. They were married on June 11, 1950 for 54 years until
her death in March, 2004. He attended Newton Schools through the 11 th grade.
Rol’s business endeavors included a partnership with his father Leonard and brother
Richard in Claassen Oil Company (a Phillips 66 Distributorship) and Claassen Lumber
Company which became Claassen Hardware and Lumber, a family owned business for
64 years.
After closing the lumber yard, he maintained an office at Cedar Village until 2 weeks
before his death.
Rol was a member of First Methodist Church where he was active in the choir and
various committees.
He is survived by his 2 sons Darrel and his wife LaRita, and Dan and his wife Anna. He
was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Brittany, Marisa, Taylor, Paige, and Sam and 5 great
grandchildren, Stella, Maverick, Mack, Kinley, and Beckham.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donnis, and his brother Richard.
Visitation will be from 5-9 at Petersen Funeral Home with the family present from 6:30-
8:00.
On Saturday, May 12, 10 AM, a graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery
in Newton followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist
Church.
Memorial contributions may be given to TMS Global (The Mission Society) and sent in care of Petersen Funral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton KS 67114.