Mervin George Claassen

Mervin George Claassen, age 95 of Blaine, passed away on November 7, 2023, at home with his wife Shirley by his side. He was born on April 17, 1928 in Buffalo Lake, MN to George and Hattie (Saxton) Claassen, the 5th of 11 children. Mervin served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a telegrapher entrusted with sending highly classified messages to military leaders via Morse Code. Following his military service, he worked as an independent truck driver for over 50 years. On February 12, 1955, he and Shirley Ann Martinson were united in marriage, building their life together for over 68 years. Through their marriage Mervin and Shirley were blessed with four children. As their family expanded, he loved and proudly wore the title “Grandpa” to 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild with whom he shared a birthday and special bond. Throughout his 95 years of life, he created quite a legacy. Mervin enjoyed being outside, spending time at the lake with family, and watching Westerns. He was constantly tinkering with something that needed fixing, and sometimes things that didn’t. He always welcomed a Root Beer Float with friends and neighbors but especially with his grandchildren. Mervin is survived by his wife Shirley; four children: Karen (Jim) Stein, Susan (Rich) Godeen, Anita (Curt) Schramm, and Brian (Jody) Claassen; grandchildren: Krista Bahnsen, Aaron (Courtney) Godeen, Kerry (Jason) Keller, Ryan Maroney, Mark Maroney, Matthew (Samantha) Schramm, Kevin (Alexandria) Godeen, Rachel (Steve) Sobolewski, Kayla (Patrick) Fleming, Andrew (Gina) Godeen, Ethan Claassen, Colton Schramm, Zachary Claassen, Melanie (Alexander) Dilonardo, and Nolan Claassen; sister, Pat Skuza, Evie Newman; 25 Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild. He was preceded in death by an infant son, David; parents George and Hattie Claassen, and August Hallin; brothers: Lloyd Claassen, twin brother Ervin Claassen, George Claassen, Jerry Hallin, Donald Hallin, Clarence Hallin, and Melvin Hallin; sisters Muriel Berggren, Violet Guderian, Joyce Evenson, Betty Dahlberg, and Lois Berhow. Memorial service 2:00 PM Friday, Nov 17 with gathering one hour prior at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd.

Tributes

Mervin George Claassen

April 17, 1928 - November 7, 2023

Tributes

Mervin George Claassen

April 17, 1928 - November 7, 2023

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