Milton Arnold Claassen

Milton Arnold Claassen, 94, passed away peacefully at Kidron-Bethel Village Health Care on April 16, 2026.

Milton was born on March 8, 1932, in Newton, Kansas, to Carl and Elise (Regier) Claassen. He spent his formative years on the family farm near Potwin. His early education took place at Plum Grove, a one-room schoolhouse, which he reached by walking, riding horseback, or driving a horse-drawn wagon. He graduated from Berean Academy in 1950 and Bethel College in 1954. Although a farmer at heart, he struggled with asthma and eventually pursued a career in medicine, earning his medical degree from the University of Kansas in 1958.

Milton was a dedicated orthopedic surgeon who spent his career serving the Newton community. Following his residency in Kansas City, he practiced at the Bethel Clinic and the Wichita Clinic. He also served as the Bethel College football team doctor, combining his professional expertise with his lifelong support for his alma mater. He retired in 2000 after many years of devoted medical practice.

In October 1957, Milton began dating LaVonda Buller, a nursing student from Colby, Kansas. They were married on August 22, 1958, in Mingo, Kansas, beginning a life of partnership that lasted until her passing. Together, they raised four active sons and shared a deep commitment to global service. Their faith and work led them to Japan several times to visit his sister Virginia, as well as to Taiwan, where Milton served at the Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien.

A man of many talents and deep community involvement, Milton was an accomplished leatherworker who crafted belts, purses, and billfolds. He remained an avid gardener throughout his life, frequently supplying his kitchen table, friends, the Salvation Army, and Harvey County Homeless Shelter with fresh produce. He dedicated his time to the M-2 Hutchinson Correctional Facility partnership program, MCC Newton Area Meat Canning, Mennonite Economic Development Association, Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus, Faith Mennonite Church Choir, Masterworks Choir at Bethel College, Mennonite Disaster Service, and spent many hours helping with setup for the Kansas Sampler Festival, Taste of Newton, and Bethel College Fall Festival. He also served on numerous boards, including Bethel College, Midland National Bank, the Mennonite Medical Association, Kauffman Museum, Carriage Factory Art Gallery, Faith & Life Bookstore, General Conference Mennonite Church Commission on Overseas Mission, Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, and Newton Medical Center.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Elise; his wife, LaVonda; his sister, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Gloria Goossen; and his brother-in-law, Gary Pryor. He is survived by his sons Dale (Ann) Claassen, Kendall (Carol) Claassen, Craig (Ronda Henson) Claassen, and Bruce (Amy) Claassen. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Sharon DeBoer and Anita Pryor; brothers-in-law Alan DeBoer and Ralph Goossen; nine grandchildren, Kaitlin (Jordan) Bartel, Sean (Michelle) Claassen, Rachelle Claassen, Carine Claassen, Reid Claassen, Camryn Claassen, JoLee (Kyle) Kissinger, Kelson (Emily) Claassen, and Kyler Claassen; and five great-grandchildren, Liam, Mason, Ella, Anna, and Clara. His legacy further extends to bonus grandchildren, Sarah (Matt) Boyts and Michael (Amber) Kauffman, and bonus great-grandchildren Miles and Nolan Boyts.

Celebration of life service will be held at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave., Newton, KS, at 3 pm, Saturday, June 13th. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Kauffman Museum, Faith Mennonite Church, or MCC Central States.