Ul Claassen

Ulrich (nickname UL) was born in Papenburg, Germany just after the end of WW II. In 1953 he emigrated to the United States with his family. They settled in rural Killbuck, Ohio where he grew up among the farmers and blue-collar towns nestled in the foothills of the smoky mountains. Ul enrolled to the Ohio State University after high school during the beginnings of the Vietnam War. He received a bachelor’s degree in science after a hiatus living across country from Boston to San Francisco during 1960’s tumultuous times. He remained a devout OSU fan throughout his life which, living in Michigan, would often become a raucous and fun rivalry with his family and friends

At a wedding for a friend, he met the woman he would marry and spend 52 years together, Janice DeYoung. They met in Florida and the romance quickly grew. They wed in Valdosta, GA in 1974. Ul and Jan settled in the small town of Lawton, MI in 1978 where they found a historic home that they have lived in for 47 years, raising their three children.

Ul was staunchly independent, fiercely loyal and always followed his own path. He was an entrepreneur and small business owner for over 40 years and very active in his community. He was part of the Lawton Fire Department, the local newspaper The Lawton Depot and local government. He was a member of the Lawton planning commission and then the Lawton Village Council which he served on as an active member for nearly 20 years. Throughout his life, Ul was well regarded as an honest straight shooter who would do anything for anyone he thought of as a friend.

In 1986 Ul and Jan decided to start their own business and opened Advance Pest Control. They worked as a partnership to make this business a success and were able to retire in 2022, passing the business on to their son-in-law Tim who continues it today.

Ul’s real passions were golf and photography. He participated in many golf leagues on courses such as Heritage Glen, Olde Mill and Pin High. Pin High became his home course, and he would often golf a couple of times a day. He was always recognizable on the course, in his bright Hawaiian shirts, walking with his small orange Sunday golf bag with five clubs. He would winter golf using only his driver and would always be happy to tell you about his round!

Ul started practicing photography in the 1960s and had a great eye for beauty. He published hundreds of nature and weather photos on various websites and was very proud of his extensive archive of traditional and digital photos and videos that he catalogued and often shared. With his photos, his family and friends have such a wonderful record of all the joys in his life.

Ul was also an avid gardener and loved to ride his bike around town. He had an infectious grin that was almost mischievous and he had an enviable ease with people that led to his many successes in business and community. He has influenced and connected with so many people throughout the years and will be greatly missed. Our small community will certainly feel the loss of his presence. It will never be the same without him.

He is survived by his wife Janice (DeYoung) Claassen; Son Ian (Michelle) Claassen; Daughter Vanessa (Tim) Strausberg; Grandchildren Mya McNett, Ivy Strausberg, Nola Strausberg, Jace Claassen & Finn Claassen. Sisters Grit Sadler & Ellie Creelman. As well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Eleonore & John Claassen, and son Chance Claassen.

Ul’s family is currently in the process of planning a memorial event to celebrate his life. We will follow up with details once it has been decided. We ask that all who loved him please golf a round in his memory this Spring.

Celebrate Ul's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M-40 Hwy; Paw Paw (269) 657-3870.