Delbert “Ray” Klassy, 92, of Rapid City, passed away peacefully in his home October 16, 2023.
Ray was born in Madison, SD, on March 27, 1931, to Benjamin and Vinnie (Heyer) Klassy. He grew up as a farm boy in eastern South Dakota, attending school in Madison, finishing up in Monterey, California. In 1949, he joined the US Navy, spending 22 years there before retiring as a Senior Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He married Maggie Fager in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1953. They were blessed with four children and were assigned to many different locations across the United States, including Texas, Midway Island, Minnesota, and finally, to California where he finished his last deployment serving aboard the USS Hancock. He relocated to Rapid City, SD, where, in 1971, Ray took a job with Boeing and moved his family numerous times, returning to Rapid City in 1981. He completed his working years in 1986 after several years performing maintenance and management at Crow’s Truck Stop in Rapid City.
Ray was a hard worker who enjoy ed hunting, fishing, playing solitaire, and many games with his family. In his later years he enjoyed puzzles, watching his favorite tv shows, and talking to his children and grandchildren on the phone.
His wife, Maggie, preceded him in death in 2020. Survivors include his four children, Darwin (Diana) Klassy, Cindy Paxson (the late Bill), Marla (Marty) Riedling, and Belinda (Doug) Sheely; twelve grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren.
The family of Ray Klassy would like to thank his neighbors on Pluto Street for their kindness to our Dad during his last years, and thank you to the VA nurses who were so good to him.
Visitation will be Monday, October 23, 2023, 12:30 – 2:15 p.m., at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD. Graveside services, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
