Leon Dale Klaasen, 92, of Overisel, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Leon was born September 14, 1934, in Holland, Michigan, to John and Henrietta (Dannenberg) Klaasen. He was a lifelong member of Overisel Christian Reformed Church and then Overisel Reformed Church as the two merged recently. Leon was a teacher at Sandy View School for nine years and then became a partner in K&K Dairy Farm for the next 35 years. During the Korean Conflict Leon served his country in the U.S. Army. Leon married Alice Brainard in 1961, and they raised their six children in Overisel.
Leon always carried with him a good sense of humor, and he always enjoyed a good laugh. Leon was also a vigorous man of prayer. He kept prayer lists of over 200 people to pray for, until he could finally commit his prayer lists to memory. Leon enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Alice. They went to Europe, India, China, and the Philippines many times on mission trips and to teach Christianity. For REACH, Leon taught three-week Bible classes in the Philippines for nine years. He also volunteered locally at the Gateway Mission, working at the men’s and women’s buildings and leading Bible studies.
Leon was preceded in death by his beloved Alice following 61 years of marriage in 2022. He was also preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Willis J. & Charlotte Klaasen, James Klaasen, Carol Klaasen, Joanne Klaasen, Eileen Klaasen, Ron Klaasen, and Harvin Klaasen; Alice’s siblings and their spouses: Leonard Hyett, Monroe & Mary Hyett, Betty Brainard, Earl & Clara Brainard, Ralph & Lorna Brainard, June & Ray Meiser, and Gordon & Mary Brainard.
Leon is survived by his children: Lisa Klaasen, Shannon & Randy Kalmink, Jane Klaasen & Rocky Baker, Sally & Brian VanderVeen, Kristi & Steve Vande Wege, and Todd & Carrie Klaasen; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister Donna Klaasen, sister-in-law Erma Klaasen, and Leon’s special friend Karin.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Overisel Reformed Church, 4706 142nd Ave., Holland MI 49423. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 PM Wednesday, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464, and also 2:00-2:45 pm prior to the funeral at church. Interment will be in Overisel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Mission, or Overisel Reformed Church.
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