Kathleen Therese Claassen

Kathleen Therese Claassen, 94, of Kasson, MN passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, MN.

Kathleen was born on July 10, 1932, in Albert Lea, MN to Thomas and Mary “Mollie” (Martin) Doyle. She worked as a switchboard telephone operator and then worked for Freeborn-Mower Co-op Light and Power and for Wonder Bread. She then went on to work for the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department as a 911 dispatcher, administrative assistant, and E911 dispatch supervisor for 37 years, working for five different sheriffs.

Kathleen married Douglas E. Claassen on April 21, 1956, and together they had three children, William, Mark, and Jean. Kathleen and Douglas lived in Mantorville until 1976, then moved to Hayfield, MN after Doug was hired as the Chief of Police for the City of Hayfield. They remained in Hayfield until 1999. After Doug passed away, she moved to Kasson, MN to be closer to work and family.

Kathleen enjoyed shopping, you would often find her wondering the stores just to bump into people she may know. She was a proud supporter of Law Enforcement. She looked forward to a good dessert; she always said to have dessert first so you made sure to have room for it! Her family and grandchildren meant the world to her. She would always say “family is everything”. She was known for being kind, compassionate, a little stubborn at times, and determined. She would do anything for anyone, always expressing her beautiful smile with her signature bright red lipstick and the best giggle. She will be missed dearly by many.

Kathleen is survived by her children, William Claassen and Jean (Lyle “Donnie”) Allen; grandchildren, Amber Claassen, Crystal (Dale) Diercks, James (Jaclyn) Claassen, Lyle “DJ” (Cassidy) Allen, Mollie (AJ Johnston) Allen; great-grandchildren, Hannah Robinson, Brody Robinson, Cailey Diercks, Chace Diercks, Abby Claassen, Maggie Claassen, and Oakley Allen; and her great-grandchild, Paisley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Doug Claassen; son, Mark Claassen; sister, Mary O’Marro; and brother, Thomas Doyle.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1904 Mantorville Ave N in Kasson, MN with Father John Lasuba officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery in Mantorville, MN.

Kathleen’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Fairview Care Center for their wonderful care.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be her memory.