Ernest Gunther (Ernie) Classen, age 90, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019, at his son's residence in Humboldt, Kansas. Ernie was born August 29, 1928, in Uetersen, Germany, to Hinrich Ernest Classen and Minna Folster Classen. Ernie served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He then attended and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agri-business and agronomy. He served on many boards. On May 26, 1959, Ernie married Mary Louise (Hanger) Classen in Stafford, Kansas. In 1964, they purchase a farm near Neosho Falls, Kansas. They made their home on the farm until moving to Humboldt in March of 2018 to be near their son. Ernie enjoyed farming, reading, and nature. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Classen; his parents; and three sisters. Ernie is survived by his son, Andrew Classen and wife, Sonja, Humboldt, Kansas; daughter, Cathy Smily and husband, John, Sunrise Beach, Missouri; four grandchildren, Andrew Smiley, Victoria and Colin Blount, Kylee and Shawn Geffert, and Chad Classen; and great-grandson, Wade Geffert. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Iola, Kansas. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Stafford Cemetery, Stafford, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Kindred Hospice, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences for the family may be left at
www.feuerbornfuneral.com
.