Kenton Classen

HUMPHREY - Kenton Lyle Classen, 5, son of Ken and Sarah Classen of Humphrey, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 at his home.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis Catholic Church, in Humphrey, with Rev. John Andrews officiating. Interment will be in the St. Francis Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Monday, with a 7 p.m. vigil, continuing 9:30 a.m. Tuesday until service time, all at the church.

Kenton Lyle Classen was born May 15, 2006 in Norfolk to Ken and Sarah (Krings) Classen. He was baptized at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. In July of 2009, Kenton was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a year and a half of treatments, Kenton spent the remainder of his life surrounded by his family. On Aug. 9, Kenton received his First Communion and Confirmation Sacraments. Kenton enjoyed camping, fishing, playing with his brother and sister, and farming with his grandpas.

Kenton will forever be admired for his fight with cancer and will be a constant inspiration for his family and others. His crooked smile and goofy laugh will live in his families hearts forever.

He is survived by his parents, Ken and Sarah Classen, of Humphrey; brother, Cael Classen, of Humphrey; sister Jocelyn Classen, of Humphrey; grandparents Ray and Joyce Krings, of Lindsay; grandparents Dave and Vickie Classen, of Humphrey; great grandmother Elsie Frisch, of Madison; uncle and aunt Andy and Ashley Classen, of Norfolk, uncle and aunt Marty and Angie Krings, of Omaha, uncle and aunt Steve and Ashley Krings, of Humphrey, uncle and aunt Ben and Suzanne Beltz, of Tarnov, uncle and aunt Bill and Amy Classen, of Humphrey, uncle and aunt Julie and Dennis Beller, of Lindsay, uncle and aunt Kevin and Michelle Classen, of Hoskins, uncle and aunt Renee and Dan Engel, of Humphrey, uncle and aunt Chris and Holli Bettenhausen, of Monroe, uncle and aunt Bob and Rebecca Classen, of Humphrey, aunt Tammy Classen, of Humphrey, uncle Joe Krings, of Lindsay; and 32 cousins.

He preceded in death by his great grandparents Felix and Faye Krings; great grandparents Joe and Dolores Frisch; great grandparents Marvin and Arlene Kemnitz; great-grandparents Alfred "Shorty" and Carolyn Classen; cousin Erin Bettenhausen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family.

McKown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.