Walter Henry Classen

Classen, Walter Henry, 83, son of Henry J. and Karla Classen, was born in Mineola, NY, and died Sunday, April 12, 2015 in Wichita, KS. Walt served in the Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Instructor during the Korean War. Walt joined Cessna in 1954. That same year he married Elaine of Lahoma, OK. Walts career at Cessna spanned 43 years during which he began the Completions Center. Walt dedicated his life to service. He served in many leadership positions at Ascension Lutheran Church including President from 1985 - 1989, Director of the Stewardship Board, and Chairman of the effort that culminated in Open Arms Child Development Center. Walter served as the President of the Rotary Club of West Wichita, was a two-time Paul Harris Fellow, and was honored with Lifetime Membership to the club. Walt was fascinated by the transportation industry. His hobbies included Model Railroading, stamp collecting, and cheering on the WSU Shockers. Walt was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Charlotte Dickman; brother, Peter Classen; sister Christa Hoegger; sister-in-law Louise Classen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Elaine; son-in-law, Henry Joseph Dickman (Christina), of Dallas, TX; brother-in-law, Otto Hoegger, of Hendersonville, NC; two nephews; three nieces; and lifelong friend, Dan Goble, of Wichita. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 17, 2015 at Ascension Lutheran Church. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Reflection Living, 623 S. Maize, “Minnie House” for his care. A memorial fund has been established with Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler, Wichita, Kansas, 67212. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com