Albert John Claassen, a long time resident of Paso Robles, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at his home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home. A reception will follow.
Mr. Claassen was born on June 5, 1920 in Paso Robles. While growing up in Paso, Albert attended Marie Bauer School (Bauer-Speck School). He graduated from Paso Robles High in 1938. After high school, he was drafted into the Army, serving as a cook, until they found out he spoke German. He served then as a translator. During the Battle of the Bulge, a torpedo nearly destroyed his ship. He was honorably discharged in 1946 but not before he had earned numerous medals.
After the War, Albert moved from Paso Robles and lived in Santa Cruz for approximately 20 years working as a mail carrier. He walked 17 miles a day delivering mail. He returned to Paso Robles restoring his family's home in Willow Creek where he lived until 1996.
He reconnected with an old school friend and later married Alta Jespersen Mauer Claassen. They enjoyed 20 years of marriage together until her death last year. Albert had two children, Roger Claassen and Sue Schriver. He also had two step-children, Kenny Mauer and Darlene Mosher.
Albert is survived by his daughter, Sue Schriver and his step daughter, Darlene Mosher, son-in-law, Raymond Mosher, and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Mauer. He also leaves behind his brothers, Lowell and Wes Claassen. He also had several nieces and nephews along with 100 first cousins. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Travis Mauer, Holly Moore, Kristina Grinnell, David Mauer, Wade Mauer, and Whitney Gilkey; 16 great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren. His family adored and loved him immensely.
Albert is preceded in death by his son, Roger; his step-son, Kenneth Mauer; a granddaughter, Annette Stemper; his brother, Ralph and his sister, Phyllis Bergman; and his parents.
Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.
Albert John Claassen, a long time resident of Paso Robles, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at his home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 am at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home. A reception will follow.