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Stuart Edward "Stu" Claassen
1944 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
Stuart Claassen Obituary
Apr 4, 1944 - Aug 16, 2025
Stuart "Stu" Edward Claassen, 81, of Clemmons, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.
Stu was born on April 4, 1944, in Durham, N.C., to the late Frederic Stuart Claassen and Frances Heydt Claassen. He grew up in New Jersey and returned to North Carolina to attend and graduate from Catawba College before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971.
Following his military service, Stu began a long and dedicated career with Wachovia Bank, where he retired after 28 years. Beyond his professional life, he was known for his deep love of soccer while coaching his daughter's soccer team. Post-retirement, he served as a FIFA referee for 10 years. A longtime member of Clemmons Moravian Church, Stu served the church in many capacities and found joy in fellowship and in crafting the beautiful Moravian stars that continue to shine in so many homes and churches around the world.
Stu also shared a lifelong spirit of adventure with his beloved wife, Sherry. Together, they traveled the world, visiting all seven continents and exploring more than 75 countries. Their journeys created countless cherished memories, reflecting their shared curiosity, love of culture, and appreciation for God's creation.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather who cherished time spent with his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sherry Renfroe Claassen; daughters, Cindy C. Kluttz (Bob), and Amy C. Geer (John); and grandchildren, Lynn Kluttz, Robert Kluttz, Carson Geer, and Lucy Geer. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Claassen, and brother, Fred Claassen.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trellis Hospice of Winston-Salem, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103, or Clemmons Moravian Church, P.O. Box 730, Clemmons, N.C. 27012.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Trellis Hospice for their compassionate care. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.
Salem Funeral & Cremation Service
120 S Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Claassen
Sponsored by Salem Funerals & Cremations - Downtown.
3 Entries
Nancy and Larry Farrington
August 25, 2025
We loved being with and talking to Stu...glad our paths met at Clemmons Moravian Church. RIP Stu til we meet again..Warm thoughts and condolences to Sherry and family. Nancy and Larry Farrington
Herman and DeComa
August 24, 2025
Always enjoyed running into Stu and Sherry...catching up on our kids and each other, sharing our travels adventures. Good folks,
good man. Our best and prayers to the family. Sincerely, Herman DeComa (and Rhamen)
Lucy Rossi
August 24, 2025
Hi Sherry,
I send you my condolences, you and Stuart are very special people, a beautiful couple.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Peace
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