Albert John Klassen

Klassen, Albert John 79, of Albuquerque, NM, died Wednesday March 20, 2013 after a long illness. He is survived by his spouse of six years, Audrey Herron; three children, Robert Klassen of Los Lunas, NM, Barbara Starks of Hutchinson, KS, Jay Klassen of Ocean Spring, MS; three sisters, Jo Manning of Lubbock, TX, Margaret Kootz and Amie Ferrin of Silver City, NM; one brother David Klassen of Abilene, TX; granddaughter Jennifer Klassen of Albuquerque, NM and his extended family of Renee Cutcher of Seguin, TX, Roger L. Herron of Waxahachi, TX and Rhonda Cushatt of Denver CO. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. John & Mamie Klassen, and spouse of 47 years, Betty Klassen. Growing up as the son of a Methodist minister, Al lived in numerous towns and cities in West TX & NM. After graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1951, he joined the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged. Al attended Spartan School of Aviation in Tulsa, OK and was an airline mechanic for Continental Airlines in Albuquerque, retiring in 1989 after 33 years. While living in Albuquerque, he was a member of the First Methodist Church, Alameda volunteer fire department and Optimist Club, enjoyed fishing the northern NM streams, horseback riding, the companionship of many German Shepherds and teaching his sons and daughter. After retiring and relocating to Silver City, NM he spent many hours enjoying his hobby of building and flying remote control model airplanes and helped found the Silver Wings club for similar enthusiasts in Silver City. Al spent the last two years in Albuquerque residing at the Montebello Retirement Community with his wife. The Family wishes to express their appreciation to Ambercare hospice and the caregiving staff at the Montebello for their kind care. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Silver City, NM on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment to be held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on Monday June 17, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Al�s name to the First United Methodist Church, 300 W College Ave., Silver City, NM 88061. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-884-1188