It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Deanna Lee Claassen. Deanna passed away peacefully at home in San Jacinto, California surrounded by family on September 8, 2025 at the age of 87.
Deanna was born July 24, 1938 in Orange, California to Martha and Robert Reilly. She married John Claassen on November 11, 1956 and they lived in Riverside, California until moving to Crescent City, Ca in 1973.
Deanna was a dedicated wife, sister, mother, grandmother, Namm and friend. She never met a stranger and always had something kind to say. She had the kindest heart, always calling loved one's sweetie pie. Deanna spent her life as a devout Catholic, belonging to St. Joseph’s Catholic Perish. Deanna retired from Del Norte Unified School District after spending 29 years as a Special Education Aid. She was the president of the St. Joseph’s Women's Society for many years and spent 35 years as a member of the Emblem Club.
Deanna is survived by her three children Julie Wheeldon, Douglas Claassen and Robert Claassen; four grandchildren Stephanie (Chris) Cendejas, Krystal (Clint) Beasley, Joshua (Stephanie) Claassen and Victoria Schmidt-Long; sisters Carlene Valencia and Linda Sue Wagnon; ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband John Claassen, parents Robert and Martha Reilly, son in law Pat Wheeldon and brother-in-law Robert Wagnon.
Funeral mass will be held on Monday September 29, 2025 at 11:00am with Rosary at 10:30am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church 319 E St., Crescent City, California. Internment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at 400 E. Cooper St., Crescent City, California. Reception to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Hall.
She didn’t take up a lot of space while she was here, but she left
a big empty space when she left