Donald Ray Klaassen

Donald Ray “Don” Klaassen, 85, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025. Born on March 27, 1940, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Arnold D. and Martha Doerkson Klaassen, Don spent his early childhood on a farm near Goessel, where his lifelong work ethic was shaped by milking cows, helping with harvest, and the practical realities of farm life.

Don married the love of his life, Ruth Elaine Reimer, on December 4, 1964—after proposing to her in October of that same year. Their 61-year marriage was a profound source of joy, humor, partnership, and unwavering loyalty and love.

Don attended Emmenthal Elementary School, where he often rode his horse “Kate” to class, and later graduated Salutatorian from Goessel High School in 1958. He attended Bethel College for two years before enrolling in Wichita Business College, completing an 18-month course in just nine months. He later continued his education at Wichita State University, graduating in 1964 with a B.B.A. in accounting with a minor in finance and economics.

After high school, Don briefly worked as a construction laborer—a job that convinced him education would be his path forward. He began his accounting career in 1962 with Peterson, Peterson & Goss, CPAs, and later joined Bonicamp, Koelling & Smith. He passed the CPA exam in 1967.

Don’s entrepreneurial spirit found its match in the early days of Pizza Hut’s expansion. Working with franchisee Howard Wilkins, Jr., Don helped grow General Resources Corporation (later Pizza Corporation of America, Inc.), taking the company public in 1972 and eventually merging with Pizza Hut, Inc. in 1974. He later became a Pizza Hut franchisee in North Carolina, building and operating multiple locations before transitioning into a long and successful chapter as a landlord. He remained deeply engaged in business, investments, and financial analysis throughout his life, often reading the Wall Street Journal at his office even during retirement.

Don proudly served in the Kansas Air National Guard, enlisting in 1961 and completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Don was known for his curiosity, sharp mind, and willingness to talk—about anything with anyone. He was firm in his convictions, unafraid of spirited debate, and equally unafraid of offering advice to those he loved. He was hardworking, frugal, direct, humorous, and endlessly supportive. He instilled in his children the value of grit, responsibility, and the importance of doing things the right way.

Many cherished moments defined Don’s life: playing chess with his grandchildren, making homemade ice cream, fishing at the family farm, harvesting wheat, enjoying watermelon and crullers, and surprise comic books hidden around the house after his business trips. Family pizza nights, favorite TV shows, and his detailed “Klaassen Newsletter” became beloved traditions. His children and grandchildren will forever remember his steady wisdom, encouragement, and delight in who they were becoming.

Don loved basketball, sunsets—often driving a few blocks just to admire “God’s Canvas”—and lively gatherings with close friends for poker nights, fish frys, and Super Bowl parties. Music was one of his first loves, and he often played piano or guitar in the basement, joined by Brent on guitar, while Lisa and Suzanne played ping-pong or pool nearby. He treasured time at the family farm, finding peace in its quiet fields, and looked forward to Saturday trips to Wilson Lake. After retirement, he enjoyed mornings with his “Beacon Buddies,” solving the world’s problems over breakfast.

Don was baptized on May 20, 1956, at Tabor Mennonite Church. His varied adventures included building and operating a drag racing strip in Albuquerque in 1963 and involvement in a coal mine and gas extractor. Don ran for U.S. Senate in 1996 under Ross Perot’s Reform Party, proudly noting that the 3% of votes he received were “probably all from relatives.” He was a longtime member of Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, the Blue Sky Investment Club, and the Beacon Boys.

Don’s wit and wisdom will continue to echo through the generations in phrases such as:

“If that’s the worst thing that happens to you today, you’re in good shape.” 

“Don’t spend it all in one place.”

“Got to make hay while the sun is shining.”

And, of course, every phone call concluded with “Over and out.”

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his sister Marcia (Norman) Hiebert; his children Lisa (Vanessa Hall) Klaassen, Suzanne (David) Ohnmeis, and Brent (Dana) Klaassen; his grandchildren Kristin (Josh) Ohnmeis, Brooke (Tyler) Hinkle, Austin Ohnmeis, Connor (Meghan) Klaassen, Tanner (Keely) Ohnmeis, Keaton (Cole) Bixler-Large, Mason Klaassen, and Miles Klaassen-Hall; and his great-grandchildren Emberlynn Owens and Peyton Hinkle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold D. Klaassen and Martha Doerkson Klaassen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, 655 S. Lorraine, Wichita, KS 67211 and The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214.