byFaith Magazine - PCA News - Oliver Claassen, Dead at 63

Oliver Claassen, Dead at 63

August 2009

Oliver Claassen, pastor of Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, Fla., went to be with the Lord shortly after midnight, Tuesday, August 4. He was 63. Claassen had been battling prostate cancer for six years. He is survived by his wife, Helen, his five children, and one grandchild.

Our Lord Jesus has shown His faithfulness again by completing the work He began in Oliver in this world (Philippians 1:6).

The Claassen family appreciates all of your love, concern, and prayer support. The funeral is Thursday, August 6. The schedule is below.

12:00pm – 1:00pm: Visitation with the family and time for reflection with music in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church sanctuary. 701 Mohawk Parkway, Cape Coral, Fla.

1:00pm – 1:45pm: Funeral service

1:45pm – 2:30pm: Processional to Coral Ridge Cemetery and graveside committal and prayer

2:45pm: Return to EPC Fellowship Hall for light refreshments

Comments

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First Name:
Freddy

Last Name:
Fritz

Location:
Tampa, FL

Comment:

I am so sorry to hear about Oliver. He was a dear friend, and helped me a great deal as I transitioned into the PCA. He also recruited me to lead two short-term missions trips to South Africa, which was a great blessing. I will certainly be in prayer for Helen and their wonderful children. Thank you, Lord, for the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Oliver Claassen.

2009-08-04 15:31 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Gerald K. "Gerry"

Last Name:
Partain

Location:
Lookout Mountain, GA

Comment:

Helen and Children,
My sincerest condolences from a former classmate; Covenant Seminary, Class of '77.
Gerry Partain

2009-08-04 16:15 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Trisha

Last Name:
Economidis

Location:
Mt. Dora, FL

Comment:

I'm so sorry to hear about Oliver. My first encounter with Helen and Oliver was when their eldest two sons were infant and toddler when they came to our home as part of a missions conference. They were the first missionaries that I had ever met and spent any time with. I was so impressed with how much this young family sacrificed in following their call to the mission field, while continuing to be devoted, loving, and disciplined parents. My prayers are with Helen and the children.

2009-08-04 16:50 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Tim

Last Name:
McKeown

Location:
Lawrenceville, GA

Comment:

I join Helen and the rest of his family and friends in (temporarily!) missing Oliver. He walked the talk and served our Lord with all of His heart, soul, mind, and strength.

2009-08-04 16:51 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Dennis

Last Name:
Bennett

Location:
Lawrenceville, Georgia

Comment:

Cindy and I send our condolences to Helen and the family. We owe you a lot, for over 30 years of friendship, beginning in seminary, to our spending nine years in South Africa. May our loving Father hold you tightly in His arms during this time and beyond.

2009-08-04 18:03 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Robert

Last Name:
Hays

Location:
Pearl, MS

Comment:

Oliver was right there for me with the most comforting word from God when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 1/2 years ago. I will never forget those words. I am sorry he lost this battle, but in Christ, he has won the war!

2009-08-04 18:42 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Jack

Last Name:
Barker

Location:
Ballwin, MO

Comment:

Oliver will be missed greatly! So much appreciated his service as Missions Pastor at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church for a couple of years. Our sympathy to Helen and the family. We will continue to remember you in our prayers.

2009-08-04 21:38 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Steve

Last Name:
Davis

Location:
Washington, DC

Comment:

Indeed, he will be missed, and he has left his family a wonderful heritage.

As someone who benefited greatly from something similar when my dad died (and my mom pulling it together), I'd encourage any of you with fond memories or years of friendship to write the whole family a letter sharing your thoughts and telling those kids and grandkids about Oliver. (One of those old-school "paper" letters that go through the mail!) Those letters will be treasured for decades, as are the ones I received about my own father.

2009-08-05 09:52 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Tim

Last Name:
Schirm

Location:
Stone Mountain, GA

Comment:

I am sorry for the loss. Oliver trained me to be a deacon when he was interim pastor at Grace PCA in Stn Mtn in the early 90's. He will be missed!

2009-08-05 11:57 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Sam and Louise

Last Name:
Larsen

Location:
Atlanta, GA

Comment:

Dear Helen,

Louise and I are so sorry to hear of your family's loss. We thank the Lord for his work through you both over the years, and for the privilege of working closely together with you and Ollie in Australia during the 1980's. The fruit from that ministry will only fully be known in eternity, but we are very confident that the Lord continues to use your devoted service to Him in the lives of many, and through them, more still.

May the God of all comfort himself console you and surround you with His peace and patience as you wait upon Him. Please know that we are much in prayer for you especially during this difficult time.

In the Shepherd's love,
Sam and Louise Larsen

2009-08-05 21:41 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Gerald

Last Name:
Longe

Location:
Fayetteville, GA

Comment:

In my years with MTW will always remember Oliver's great Bible studies.
May the Lord bless the family.

2009-08-06 15:37 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Steve

Last Name:
Bostrom

Location:
Helena, MT

Comment:

Dear Claassens, What a shock to read of Oliver’s death today, 9/7. Although Oliver and I were classmates in seminary, our co-laboring has been distant. I was grateful that distance never impeded our friendship. Rejoicing Oliver has won the race – sorrowing with those still running – may you look to the Author and Finisher of our faith, Steve

2009-08-07 11:27 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
EARL & MARGUERITE

Last Name:
WITMER

Location:
SMYRNA, GEORGIA

Comment:

Dear Helen and family,
It was such a surprise to learn of Oliver's homegoing. But it was no surprise to our Savior. It's what He had planned for your dear husband and father from eternity past.
Be comforted by the fact that Jesus loves you so much that He has promised to be faithful to all of you and will reunite you someday in His holy presence.
Helen, our occasional contact goes back many years. We have seen God's will at work in you to serve Him in so many places and ways. You have been great encouragers to so many. Your witness has been clear for your Lord and Savior. Thank you for the expressions of His grace in your lives. May you and your family be comforted daily by that love.
May the peace of Christ be with you!

2009-08-07 18:31 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Rick

Last Name:
Harper

Location:
Charlotte, NC

Comment:

Oliver was one of three men who individually mentored me. He was an integral person in helping me pray through a sense of calling into ministry and then took much time to train me. Anne and I were blessed by his teaching, his friendship, and his example. We are praying for the family.

2009-08-08 18:05 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Roger and Fiona

Last Name:
Rowett

Location:
George South Africa

Comment:

Helen we will remember Ollie as a person of courage character and integrity.He was a good mate.Our thoughts are with you.

2009-08-18 04:54 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Mike

Last Name:
Singenstreu

Location:
Victoria, TX.

Comment:

I am saddened by the loss for this earthly Church but encouraged by the fact that He is home...his battle is over and He is celebrating a "full" life. To Helen and the family our hearts go out to you as you grieve at this time. We grieve as those with hope for a bright future. Oliver taught me a good number of things through the years. He told me once when i was waxing eloguently about how Gos had not and would not call me to the suburbs to minister. he looked me straight in the eye and said "if you can't minister in the suburbs then you can't minister anywhere." As if I had the right to dictate where God might send me.

2009-08-24 10:59 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Bert

Last Name:
Gibson

Location:
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Comment:

Ollie was always on the move. He recruited our family to church planting in Australia. We arrived and he left for another adventure. He and Helen were the only people we've met who have moved more than us. Ollie and Helen made a great team. He will be sorely missed. Our paths crossed a couple of years ago at a conference. His appearance had noticeably changed. I shared with him that I had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was considering which treatment to choose. He told me that he was battling the disease himself, the side effects had taken its toll on his body. He told me that whatever I did, DO NOT under any circumstances take the "WATCHFUL WAITING" approach. I took his advice and you should too if it happens to you.

2009-08-26 10:59 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Mort

Last Name:
Whitman

Location:
St.Louis, Mo.

Comment:

I have fond memories of Oliver and Helen when I was going into ISI work. They were very encouraging for us. Brother Oliver will be missed greatly. May the Lord bless the family as they grieve their loss. Yet I know he is with theLord he loved all his life. May the Spirit comfort you all with this hope.

2009-09-03 13:15 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Arne

Last Name:
Molbach

Location:
Manchester, MO

Comment:

Oliver will be missed by the many on whom he made a lasting impact. His teaching that echoes through my mind is that "Ministry flows from relationships." How true.
Can't wait to see him again in Glory!

2009-09-10 16:17 Permalink Reply

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First Name:
Linda

Last Name:
Bryant

Location:
St. Louis, MO

Comment:

Oliver touched my heart during our time together surrounding Anna-Grace and Matt's wedding. He gave me great, inspired ideas to take home to my own church.

Your family are amazing and a beautifully testimony to your faith and strength.
Linda

2009-11-01 17:19 Permalink Reply