Brian Herbert Classen

 A visitation with the Classen Family will take place on Monday evening, April 15th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at Claremore First Methodist Church, 1615 N. Hwy. 88, Claremore, OK 7417.

Brian Herbert Classen, age 60, passed away on April 9, 2024. He was born on January 9, 1964, to Junior and ElVera Classen. Brian graduated from   Milbank High School in 1982. Growing up, he worked on his family's dairy farm and summer resort on the lake. Following high school, he obtained his A&P License at Lake Area Vo-Tech in Watertown, South Dakota.

In 1990, Brian  and Denis met at her sister’s wedding on Denis’ birthday. They began dating long-distance  and Brian proposed on her next birthday. On June 19, 1992, Brian married the love of his life and surprised Denis  with an Alaskan cruise.

Their three boys, Dylan, Cody, and Blake came along shortly after. Brian loved taking the boys hunting and fishing. They often traveled back to South Dakota, where they fished and spent cherished time with his mom and brother Terry. Brian  supported the boys in their various sports and school activities. Once he decided to surprise Denis and Blake by flying to College Station, TX to attend the final game of a soccer tournament. This story became a family legend when the games were moved up due to weather. With Denis and Blake ready to hit the road, Brian ended up jumping in the back seat to head straight back home.

In 1989, Brian began his career with American Airlines in Tulsa, OK  and would have celebrated 35 years there this summer. Dylan and Cody followed in their dad’s  footsteps and are now employed as A&P mechanics at American. Brian met his lifelong friend Terry Langbehn while at Lake Area. The two finished their A&P licensing there. Brian then worked in Boston for a year, before following Terry to Oklahoma and American Airlines. The two were roommates until Brian and Denis married.

Brian instilled his  lifelong passion for hunting and fishing in his boys. They continued  annual  South Dakota visits. He and the boys often took the boat out to Oologah Lake, where many interesting events took place. As a small boy, Dylan once had to be rescued after falling off the craft. Dropping poles, in the water went Brian! Another time the fishing was interrupted by Cody phoning to say he was stranded with a friend on the Verdigris River.

Preceding Brian  in death were his parents, Junior and ElVera Classen.

Brian is survived by his devoted wife, Denis Classen; sons, Dylan, Cody, and Blake Classen; and brother, Terry Classen. Brian will be deeply missed by dear friends Terry and Shelly Langbehn. He will also be fondly remembered by his American Airlines family and all who knew him.