Miriam Jeanette Claassen

Miriam Claassen, 92, died peacefully at Kidron Bethel Village, North Newton, Kansas, on September 4, 2026. She died of complications from injuries sustained in a fall on August 20.

Miriam Jeanette Schmidt was born in Newton, Kansas, on September 30, 1933, the second child of Tobias and Lena (Decker) Schmidt. She grew up on their farm East of Newton, attending Candy School, Newton High School, ad Berean Academy, graduating in 1951. At age 16 she was baptized by Rev. Herbert Miller and joined the Grace Hill Mennonite Church.

Miriam studied for her teaching certificate at bethel College from 1951-53. In fall 1953, she began her teaching career at the one-room Star School with 6 students in 4 grades.

On May 14, 1955 she married John Claassen at the Grace Hill Mennonite church. She moved to Topeka, where John was in 1-W service. During the 1955-56 school year, she taught at Pleasant Hill Elementary, a rural, 3-room school North of Topeka.

In 1956, Mirian and John returned to Whitewater where he began farming. In the coming years, sons Robert (1957) and Roger (1960) were born. As young children they kept Mirian on her toes, providing the young mother with several hair-raising moments. Miriam planted her first vegetables and flower beds, beginning a life-ling passion for gardening. In 1962, the family moved to John’s home farm, trading houses with John’s parents. Miriam and John lived there for 56 years, moving to Kidron Bethel Village in 2018.

Miriam joined the Emmaus Mennonite Church (John’s home). When the church installed a new organ in the early 1960’s, Miriam was one of several women who took organ lessons and the regularly played for Sunday morning worship services, funerals, and other church functions. She practiced frequently at the church, sometimes with one or both boys in tow.

Spring and summer brought a steady stream of fruits and vegetables. Potatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, green beans, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes, and corn were served fresh to family and friends or canned, bringing a touch of summer to any season of the year. Miriam planted the same red cannas for 55 summers, moving them inside for winter. She also favored vincas, marigolds, zinnias, four o’clocks, and chrysanthemums.

As a cook and a host, Miriam excelled. Friends and family gathered often at her table. She always cooked a delicious meal, set a beautiful table, and made every guest feel at home. Miriam’s cooking is already missed, particularly at the holidays, but many family favorites live on in the kitchens of her children and grandchildren.

Miriam loved teaching and returned to it in mid-life. In 1974, after a short stint working as a cook at the Wheat State Manor, Miriam returned to Bethel College to earn her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, graduating in 1978. In 1980, she began teaching third grade at Potwin Grade School, a post she held for 18 years. She loved reading to the kids and particularly enjoyed helping students connect math lessons with the real world, walking them through the many ways multiplication tables are an important everyday skill. Many students remember her fondly.

Miriam and John traveled extensively, touring Europe in 1989 and 2000, and taking trips to South Africa, Colombia, South America, Hawaii, Alaska, and Panama.

Miriam retired from teaching in 1998 to spend more time in her garden and visiting with friends. She was part of a local book club and partnered to fix lunches for meetings of the Kansas Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution. She was known as a caring, kind, and welcoming person.

Miriam is survived by John, her husband of 71 years; sons, Robert Claassen (Shelley) of Andover, Kansas and Roger Claassen (Cheryl martin) of Hyattsville, Maryland; grandchildren, Kyle Claassen, Kevin Claassen (Michelle), Adam Claassen (Bailey Herzberg) and Olivia Martin (Ev Garrison); and great-grandchildren Caleb and Cody.

A celebration of life, including a musical tribute on organ, will be held at Grace Hill Mennonite Church on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be sent to Bethel College or the Kansas Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (in care of Bethel College). Arrangements are being handled by Petersen Family Funeral Home, Newton.