Charles "Charlie" Fredrick Claassen

Charlie was born on May 29, 1939, in Newton, Kansas, to Ted and Helen Claassen. He grew up in Newton, where he was a member of the First Mennonite Church. After graduating from Newton High School, he attended Bethel College, where he played #1 on the men’s tennis team. Charlie went on to earn a Master’s in Hospital Administration from the University of Chicago.

In 1961, he married Joyce E. Claassen (Schmidt) of Buhler, Kansas. Together, they welcomed two children: Carla Jo Schmitz, born in 1965 in Chicago, Illinois, and Christopher John Claassen, born in 1967 in London, England.

While at the University of Chicago, Charlie took a one-year exchange assignment to study the healthcare system in London. In 1968, he became Director of Hospital Administration at North Kansas City Hospital. After a decade in healthcare, he shifted careers in 1978 to develop condominiums in Breckenridge, Colorado, and Table Rock Lake, Missouri. He later became a successful real estate agent with RE/MAX in Liberty, Missouri, a role he enjoyed for over 20 years.

Charlie had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed tennis and golf; quail, duck, and pheasant hunting; and fishing for trout and catfish. He has a passion for camping, canoeing, water skiing, and exploring the outdoors with family and friends. A loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, Charlie was also known for his skill at the grill—hosting countless wild game dinners and delighting many with his bacon-wrapped chestnuts and famous salmon.

Throughout his life, Charlie was actively involved in various churches and ministries. He devoted himself to glorifying God and sharing his faith with others. Some of his greatest joys came from time spent with his grandchildren—Courtney Claassen, Kelsi Kresin, Nick Claassen, and Maggie Claassen—whom he adored and cherished deeply.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Helen Claassen; sisters Naomi McElroy and Maryanne Franz; and his son-in-law, Paul A. Victor.

He is survived by his children, Carla Schmitz-Victor and Chris (Aimee) Claassen; grandchildren, Courtney Claassen, Nick Claassen, Kelsi (Jake) Kresin, and Maggie Claassen; his brother David (Dee) Claassen; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family, and his dog, Chaco.

Charlie leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, adventure, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 10th at 3 pm at his daughter’s home. 1960 Kings Highway, Liberty, MO 64068. Parking will be available at the Liberty Christian Fellowship at 1815 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, MO 64068

Arrangements by Church-Archer Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000.

Memorials are suggested to Mennonite Central Committee at https://mcc.org/donate