David J. Klaassen

funeral director, owner, father of funeral directors Scott Klaassen and Kurt Klaassen, and brother of funeral director Dann Klaassen – all of Klaassen Family Funeral Home, Grand Haven, Michigan – died March 17, 2026, at age 84.

Klaassen attended Muskegon Community College and the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, and he began his career at Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. In time, he purchased the funeral home and added the Spring Lake, Michigan, location. Years later, he built the present funeral home in Grand Haven.

A member of Second Christian Reformed Church, Klaassen served as both a deacon and elder.

He served as city councilman and mayor pro tempore, and on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for more than 45 years.

Klaassen was a chaplain for the Grand Haven Area Jaycees, a charter secretary for the Grand Haven Lions Club and a former member of the Ottawa County Board of Health. He also served as vice president of the Tri-Cities Council of Ministries, president of Michigan Funeral Directors Association District #4, and president and board member of the North Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. His community involvement also included leadership roles with Tri-Cities United Way, Love Inc., the North Ottawa Council on Aging, the Kiwanis Club, International Aid and the Charter Lions Club.

For several years, he served as both chairman and board president of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. His dedication to the U.S. Coast Guard and the festival led to his receipt of the Coast Guard’s highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor.

Klaassen was honored for his community service by the Jaycees and the Grand Haven Eagles’ Community Builders. He was inducted into the Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame and received the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

Klaassen is survived by wife Sandy; children Scott, Kurt and Tammy; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; and brother Dann Klaassen.