Stephen Craig Claassen

1954 - 2017

Stephen Craig Claassen was born on May 28, 1954, to Richard and Diane (Darling) Claassen in Newton.

He was a graduate of Newton High School and a member of the First Baptist Church of Newton.

Steve grew up in Newton and enjoyed a typical childhood with many friends and activities. Hunting and fishing with "him-paw" Darling was always a highlight in his early years. He was active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and was the pitcher for the neighborhood and Little League team. He also ice skated and played ice hockey with his dad, brother and sister while growing up. The family looked forward to and took yearly trips to Colorado.

He played football in junior high school, and competed and lettered in varsity high school tennis.

Steve worked with his dad, granddad and uncle at Claassen Lumber and Claassen Oil Company while growing up.

After graduation, Steve was married briefly to Debi Brown. He served as a rural route deliverer for the postal system, until his retirement in 2014.

Steve did not have biological children, but he was actively involved in raising Austin Murphy. They maintained this relationship throughout Austin's adulthood.

Steve is survived by his mother, Diane Claassen; brother, Brian Claassen; and sister, Shelley and her husband, Larry Wall.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Richard Claassen.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday (April 7, 2017) at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel. The family will greet friends prior to the service at 9 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Memorials have been set up for the following: First Baptist Church, 6th and Poplar, Newton, KS 67114 and Good Shepherd Hospice, 301 N. Main St. #300, Newton, KS 67114.

Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.