Paul Emil Klassen

Paul E Klassen, age 92 passed away peacefully on July 6th 2023 surrounded by those who loved him in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Paul was born in Dearborn, Michigan on 01-04-1931 in his childhood home to parents, David and Martha Klassen. He grew up with four other siblings. He loved and played various sports such as baseball and football in his youth. Paul graduated from Lowrey High School in 1949. In 1951-1959 he served in the Navy Air Reserve. After attending Henry Ford College, Eastern Michigan University as well as Wayne State University he earned a B.S. degree in education. He completed his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Eastern Michigan University. Paul taught science and physical education in the Crestwood School District of Dearborn Heights at Haston Middle School from 1951-1986 where he was the Athletic Director for 30 years. He coached various sports such as track & field, wrestling, basketball and football.

In 1954 Paul married Carol Anne Schatz and they lived in Garden City, MI where they had 2 children, Sandra and Bruce. They were members of the First United Methodist Church there. Paul had a home garden and played outside sports such as baseball, hockey, swimming, boating and fishing with his family.. Paul loved having reunions with his siblings and parents. He hunted deer with his father-in-law and went fishing with his brother-in-law Vern in upper MI for many seasons. After his retirement Paul and Carol moved to Elk Rapids, MI where they enjoyed fishing, boating, and swimming at Birch Lake. Paul kept active with golf. He also worked as a real estate agent for 5 years. Being with family was important to them so in 1992 they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to be near both children, George and granddaughter Lora. They loved the outdoors and gardening at Beth Haven, their son Bruce’s group home. After 42 years of marriage Carol passed away in 1997. Paul remarried in 2000 to his current surviving wife, Runell Jones from Florida. They would have been married 23 years in Aug. 2023. The last 20 years they resided in Lakeland. Florida at Highland Fairways where they enjoyed playing golf, bocce ball, shuffle board, swimming, fishing, card games, Mexican dominos and had many good friends! They both participated in the Senior Olympic Games during this time and Paul won 35 medals (gold, silver and bronze). As a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, FL Paul became a greeter and Vice President of his Sunday School Class.

Paul moved to CO in August of 2022 where he spent the last 10 months with his family and granddaughter watching his great grandsons play baseball, basketball, flag football and visiting with them whenever possible. Paul is remembered as a kind and loving man to all who knew him! He enjoyed being with other people.

Paul leaves behind his wife Runell Klassen Jones, daughter Sandra (George) Juetersonke, son Bruce Klassen, granddaughter Lora (Tyler) Jorgensen, great grandchildren Kade & Kru, many nieces and nephews in MI & across the US, sister-in-law-Jackie (Larry) Suuppi and Runell’s son Victor (Isa) Jones and best friends Chuck and Liz Sisson. Paul was preceded in death by his four siblings and spouses, Ralph (Bev) Hoffman, John (Virginia) Klassen, Mary (Bill) Owen and Joyce (Bob) Babits.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Solaris Hospice at 4137 Sinton Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 or BethHaven, Inc, P O Box 326, Colorado Springs, CO 80901

A celebration of life service will be planned sometime in September at the Swan Law Funeral Home

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Klassen family.