Kassandra Rae Claassen

  Kassandra “Kassie” Rae Claassen, 17, of Dakota City, NE, tragically lost her life on April 27, 2023 in an auto accident. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City. A Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Homer Community School in Homer, Nebraska. 

  Kassie was born the daughter of Justin and Kristy (Havlik) Claassen on March 29, 2006 in Sioux City. She was the light of our life, the best big sister and best friend to everyone, a big personality, bigger voice and had the biggest spirit. The quiet will feel very wrong!

  Kassie was employed at Gateway 2.Oh of Dakota City, where she quickly became part of the Gateway family.

  Kassie was currently a Junior at Homer Community School where she was very active in One Act, Speech, Color Guard and Band. Her passion was Art and her teachers were very inspirational in her everyday life. She was going to represent Homer in the 2023 Nebraska Girls State this summer. Kassie was really looking forward to her Senior year. “We’re the class you can’t ignore, we’re the CLASS of 2024.”

  Kassie was a member of Salem Lutheran Church where she was both baptized and confirmed. She was very active as a member. She fulfilled many duties including Bible School teacher/helper, choir, projectionist, and she loved helping the little kids get ready for the annual Christmas program. Kassie also loved Christmas caroling with the “fun crew” and decorating the church for the Christmas season. You could always see her smiling face after service, helping in the fellowship hall. She was also a part of the Lyons Leadership Team, where she helped bring Nebraska youths closer to God.

  Those left to honor her memory include her parents, Justin and Kristy Claassen of rural Dakota City; a brother, Brode; a sister, Autumn; and her four-legged friend, Herbie at home; her grandparents, Kim and Karen Havlik of Sanborn, IA and Rick and Jackie Claassen of Dakota City; great-grandma, Mary Claassen of South Sioux City; aunt, Vicki (Ryan) Baker of Sioux City; aunt, Stacy (Luke) Marnach of Sioux Falls; uncle, Jeff Havlik and partner, Nef Hernandez of Sioux Falls; and uncle, Matt (Jenny) Havlik of Sioux City. She is also survived by many cousins and friends who she absolutely loved and who loved her; and many great-aunts and great-uncles who were a big part of her wonderful life.

  She was preceded in death by her aunt, April Claassen; great-grandparents, Bob and JoAnn Rager; great-grandpa, Dean Claassen; great-grandparents, Stanley and Mary Jane Havlik; and great-grandparents, Harold and Eleanor Pyle.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Homer Community School Fine Arts Department or to Salem Lutheran Church.

  Please let Kassie’s light shine in your life and in the lives of those around you.