Walter Bernard Claassen, age 88, of Elgin, IL, passed away on August 12, 2025. He was born June 10, 1937 in Hammond, IN to his loving parents, Bernhard and Alma (née Gebert) Claassen.

Walter attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Hammond, IN, and graduated from Hammond High School, Class of 1955. He earned his teaching degree from Concordia Teacher’s College in River Forest, IL in 1960.

While going through his teacher internship at St. John’s Lutheran School in Elgin, IL from 1958-59, Walter met Nancy Ann Drews. They were married 27 years before her passing on June 2, 1987.

After graduation from Concordia, Walter taught for three years at the Woodburn Lutheran School Association in Woodburn, IN. He then returned to St. John’s Lutheran School, Elgin, in 1963, and taught there until retiring from teaching in 1999. After retirement, he worked for Feeny Chrysler for five years.

In his spare time, Walter enjoyed stamp collecting and photography, and he also enjoyed a good laugh.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Ann (née Drews) Claassen; sister, Margret Thon; brother-in-law, Richard Thon; niece, Cathy Thon; and nephew, Gary Thon. He is survived by grandnephew, Jeff Thon; and grandniece, Monica Thon.

Visitation will be 10:00am until funeral service at 11:00am, Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Pastor Aaron Levenhagen will be officiating.

Interment to follow at 2:30pm at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Walter’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.