Dr. Daniel Classen passed away suddenly at his home in Saskatoon on January 9, 2022, at the age of 87. He leaves behind 8 children: Dale (Joan), Brian (Janine), Joanne Sanche (Stephen), Maureen Dinnen (Neil), Suzanne, Judy, David (Souad), and James (Chasta), 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Marguerite Conway, brother Andrew Classen and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lucille, his parents Michael and Clara (Ries) Classen, and siblings Isabelle, George, Rita, Charles, Jerome, Marie, Vincent, Lucille and James.
Daniel was born in Watson, Saskatchewan, and grew up in St. Gregor on the family farm. Like his 11 older siblings, he attended a one-room schoolhouse through grade 10. He was an avid baseball player in his youth, playing with the Melfort Juniors when they won the 1953 provincial championship. Daniel attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a degree in dentistry in 1957. He practiced dentistry in Uranium City and outposts in the Gulf Islands in BC. He decided he wanted to pursue a career in plastic surgery and returned to the U of A to obtain his medical degree. In 1961, he married Lucille, and after completing his medical degree in 1962, the two of them moved frequently with an ever-growing family for postgraduate training in BC, Saskatchewan, Pennsylvania, and Toronto. They settled in Saskatoon in 1968, where Daniel had a busy surgical practice and taught many medical students and surgical residents until he retired in 2002.
Daniel was creative and curious by nature, picking up new skills after careful study and practice. He was an early adopter and proficient user of the latest gadgets and technology. He was one of the first physicians in Saskatchewan to have his office on computerized medical records, years before it became common, using software he wrote. He also pursued a range of interests and hobbies including curling, painting, tapestry weaving and gardening. He raised a variety of animals on his acreage, including donkeys, horses, goats, chickens and bees. He enjoyed using the tractor and rototiller on the acreage and fixing equipment. In his “spare time” he started and ran a landscaping company, providing residential and commercial landscaping around Saskatoon. In his retirement, Daniel took up photography and made it his mission to photograph the 95 churches in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, which were compiled into a history book and published by the diocese.
In the last years of Lucille’s life, Daniel lovingly cared for her with steadfast tenderness and patience, never complaining or despairing. With a calm nature, sharp wit, and deep faith, Dad was always an engaging presence. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 21 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family (123 Nelson Road Saskatoon) with Fr Dennis Phanuef as Celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. For those unable to attend please visit www.faithproductions.ca/livestream
Arrangements in care of Travis Minor - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200
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