[Genealib] Joanne Classen Obituary

[James Jeffrey]

Gang,

Joanne Classen, former director of the Genealogy Collection of the Denver Public Library passed away after an extended illness.  Many of you will not have met Joanne as she retired in 1987. She was actively engaged in Palatines to America and a member of NGS. She was one of the vioces to be heard behind Dick Vogels and the creation of FGS. She was a member of ALA and Special Libraries.  Joanne came into genealogy after a stint as a children's librarian.  She cultivated the collection and encouraged volunteers and researchers in their quests.  It is upon her shoulders that I stand and continue her good work.


Joanne Classen , 78, passed away Saturday, May 17 in Denver. Born in Hastings, NE, she spent some of her childhood in Wyoming and Montana, before returning to Hastings. A graduate of Hastings Teachers College, Joanne went on to recieve her M.A. in Library Science at Denver University. A longtime employee of the Denver Public Library, she served as the director of the Genealogy department. Survived by nephews Richard (Vicki) Classen , Roger (Natalie) Classen , David (Susan) Classen , Robert (Gail) Classen and niece Jeni (Mike) Newcomb and other great, and great-great nieces and nephews. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and using her genealogy background to assist other families in tracing their histories. Services to be held Saturday, May 31st at 11AM, Augustana Lutheran, 5000 East Alameda Ave. 




James K. Jeffrey
Collection Specialist in Genealogy
Western History and Genealogy
Denver Public Library