Thomas Klaasen ’61

Thomas Albert Klaasen, age 84, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023. He was born in Holland, Michigan on July 5, 1939. Tom received a BS from Hope College and a masters from The University of Indiana. He went on to get his Ph. D. from Michigan State University. Tom married Mary Green Klaasen on December 21, 1966 and they shared 54 years together.

Tom had a long career as a college professor teaching at Tulane University, The University of New Orleans, and Texas Wesleyan. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, listening to music, reading books, art, cooking, gardening, and caring for his dogs. Tom will be remembered as a kind, generous, logical, intelligent, and energetic friend.

He is survived by his nephews Joshua Allen, John Klaasen, Bill Klaasen and Jon Klaasen and their spouses. Tom is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his brother John and his parents, Adrian and Florence Klaasen.