Eldon Jay Klaassen Obituary
Eldon Jay Klaassen (1930 - April 14, 2021) age 90, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, in Chandler, Arizona. He and his wife, Denise were by each other’s side for 63 years of marriage. He was an actuary of professional acclaim who was respected not only for his intellect, but also for his mentoring.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1930, he was an outstanding student and was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with specialization in actuarial science. He served in the US Army in Germany during the Korean War, as sergeant and Director of Motor Pool Services.
Eldon started his career in Chicago at Continental Casualty Company, which later became CNA Financial, as an actuarial associate. In his early professional career at CNA, he was offered positions in both the actuarial department and the new computing systems department. Always a practical man, he explained with a grin that he chose actuarial work in part, “because all that cooling equipment in the computer department was just too cold.” He wrote many articles published in the Journal of Insurance and the American Risk and Insurance Association. Eldon was also active in professional organizations, attaining the Fellow designation with the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, and the Casualty Actuarial Society. He developed actuarial standards of practice in the property and liability insurance areas. While working for Wyatt Company as a consulting actuary during the 1970s and 1980s, he made significant contributions to the development of self-insurance plans. His work on the economic structure of these health plans under the ERISA regulations enabled major financial benefits to his clients and their employees.
Eldon and Denise enjoyed square dancing for many years, participating in dancing events with enthusiasm. They traveled through parts of Europe and brought home many tales of travel that they shared with their family and friends in the greater Chicago area. He loved gardening, swimming, reading, and he took a good long walk every day he was able.
In 1997, they began to live part-time in Saugatuck, Michigan and part-time in Scottsdale, Arizona as our favorite “snow birds” do. He was well-suited to Arizona where the heat was dry, like his sense of humor. “Sometimes you might not laugh until the next day at his joke,” his daughter Cherie reminisced.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Denise (nee Kimmey), and their children, Cherie, Eldon, Mitzi Epstein, Marie Newman, and seven grandchildren.
As a devoted father, Eldon was always there for his children, fixing toys and wounds when they were young, and offering wise advice and help as they advanced through life’s adventures. Patrick said, “Grandpa was like True North. He could always be relied upon for steady direction and to provide a sense of calm in a storm.”
Eldon’s family wishes to give special thanks to Luana Hall, who has been a treasured caregiver, and the team of dear people at Family Comfort Hospice who helped to make the last year more comfortable for Eldon, and supported the family with kindness and guidance.
A celebration of Eldon’s life is being planned for late spring. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association - https://www.lung.org , St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Wounded Warrior Project - https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org .
