Jonnie Clasen

Jonnie Clasen, beloved mother and beloved friend of many, died September 7, 2025 at the Medical Center, where she was taken following an automobile accident on 10th St and Victory Drive in Columbus, Georgia.

Jonnie and her father Vincent Melillo did living history programs throughout the US Georgia, including FDR’s Little White House, the National Infantry Museum, the Atlanta History Center and WW II Heritage Days along with programs at schools, churches and organizations. Jonnie's father was an original Merrill's Marauder and Also a Korean War, 5th Regimental Combat Team veteran, and a member of both the Army Ranger Hall of Fame and Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Jonnie was also an honorary inductee into the Ranger Hall of Fame for her works and military support. Jonnie was the Merrill's Marauder's Liaison Officer and the director of Rosie the Riveter's organization, among other endeavors.

Jonnie had one child, Mike Clasen II of Reno, NV, who she talked with every day up until hours shortly before her untimely death.

A journalist, writer, photographer, and artist through age 79, she was working on various projects actively up until her death. She was involved with the Columbus Artists Guild and always actively writing and creating "slides" and editorial pages for various military publications, including most recently editing a book for a couple in Ireland. As a hardworking woman, she dedicated many years working at the Reno Gazette-Journal and then Harrah's in Reno, Nevada.

She was a member of the Frank Chester Senior Center in Columbus. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and had numerous military associations.

She is survived by a son, D. Michael Clasen II of Reno NV, Connie Middaugh of Reno NV; nephew Terry W. Ellis and niece Brenda Ellis Eubanks of Atlanta; Dana Cravey of Columbus; Theresa D’Aconti's family in Middlesex, NJ; plus nieces Marie Tosti and Joyce Getchus, NJ, and their families; along with Cathy Kavanaugh from Atherton, Calif., and her family. Others include Steve Smith and Clete Smith, Jacksonville, FL; plus former Darcy and Ann Clasen's family in New Iberia, LA, along with many wonderful friends.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Fisher Chapel at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907. A celebration of life funeral service will occur Friday, September 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM with a reception to follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1953 Torch Hill Rd, Columbus, GA 31903, Father David Hamm will officiate.

Following the funeral service, Jonnie will be transported 142 miles to Midway United Methodist Church in Milan, Georgia, where she will be buried next to her mom, the former Frankie Doris Thompson of Milan, the last of three girls born to Frank Thompson of Eatonton and Alice Mae Walker Thompson of Milan, Vincent Melillo her father and a Merrill's Marauder, and her brother Vincent Melillo.