Louise Ellen Claassen

Louise E Gerig Claassen, 94, of Albany, entered her eternal home on Sunday September 14, 2025. She was the daughter of Glenn and Tillie (Birky) Kuhns. She was born in Thurman, Colorado on January 20, 1931. The family moved to Oregon when she was 15 years old. She graduated from Albany Union High School in 1949. Later that year she married Wayne Gerig on October 2 at Fairview Mennonite Church, they later divorced. He passed away on February 1, 1996. She married Jacob Claassen on March 9, 1979.

Faith was very important to her and she was very involved in the Mennonite Church her entire life. A few of her roles were a Sunday School teacher, involved with Vacation Bible school and the church librarian. She spend many years involved with the MCC Fall Festival held in Albany every October. Her main role involved the school kit booth. This was school supplies for children in third world countries. Several of her children and grandchildren grew up helping each year with the school kits.

Louise was a homemaker until 1966. After that, she started working outside her home in the medical field. Her first job was at Albany General Hospital in various departments. Later on became a certified Medical Assistant, did transcription and worked at several doctors offices in Albany. She retired in December 1999 after 20+ years working for Albany Anesthesia where she was the office manager. After retiring, she volunteered at Samaritan Albany Hospital gift shop and was a board member of Albany Samaritan Hospital Foundation.

Louise had a passion for all things she could grow in her yard. She loved anything that bloomed, having a vegetable garden, and a bountiful apple tree. Her love for her yard was unparalleled. She became a Master Gardener after taking classes from Oregon State extension service. One year her yard was chosen for the City of Albany Garden Tour. She was proud of showing it to her friends and family.

Among her other passions was being involved with Friendship Force International. She was a host for those traveling to the USA and she in turn traveled to their homes in other countries and states. Her other hobbies included camping, rug making, basket weaving, knitting, sewing, quilting, reading, playing games and learning to play the piano. She took walks almost everyday with her friends and neighbors. She was a friend to everyone and always had time to listen.

Louise is survived by her son Steven (Janna) Gerig of Albany, Sandra (Douglas) Nofziger of Wembley Alberta Canada, Jeannette (Keith) Cowan of Sweet Home, Karen (Gregory-Deceased) Harper of Eugene and Patricia (Greg) Grill of Albany, brother James Kuhns of Clatskanie, 11 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Jacob, brother Harvey Kuhns; sisters, Mildred Schrock, Thelma Miller, Nadine Nelson, Ruth Lehman, Donna Kuhns and granddaughter Alisha Grill.

On November 22, 2025 @ 1:30pm, there will be a celebration of life at Albany Mennonite Church. The church is located at 3405 Kizer Ave NE in Albany. Memorial donations can be made in Louise's honor to Mennonite Central Committee or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice Foundation.