Robert Louis Classen

Robert L. Classen, "Bob", age 60, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2012 and left this earth to join his holy father in heaven. Bob had a strong faith in God inspired by his dual religious upbringing as both a Catholic and a Lutheran. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 6, 1952 and proud of all Chicago entails, including the food and the people. Bob is survived by his best friend and wife, Joyce Edwards Classen, and his beloved children, Charles John Classen, Donald Lyndon Classen, and Samantha Elizabeth Classen. He also leaves behind his dear brother, Keith Classen. Bob is predeceased by his loving mother and father, Mary A. Classen and Harold J. Classen, as well as, his little sister, Diane Classen. Even though he was deeply affected by his tours in Vietnam, Bob embraced life with an enduring sense of curiosity and a keen sense of humor. He was quick to help anyone in need by giving them a wide smile, a kind word, a small morsel of advice, or anything else he could provide. In Bob"s eyes, the glass was always half-full and life was full of possibilities. As a boy and young man, he was always on the move, enjoying swimming, football, softball, wrestling, basketball, racquetball, and tennis. Bob also joined the school play, was on the De La Salle football team and participated in many other school activities. Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed a number of different jobs. As a boy, he worked in a fruit stand in Chicago and then later at Father and Son shoe store and Archer Big Store. He even had a short stint as a used-car salesman while living in La Mesa, Ca. Bob often reminisced about family vacations spent in South Haven, Michigan with an assortment of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also spoke fondly of working summers in Michigan with his dear Uncle Don and Cousin Dana in their construction business. His dream, due to his great love of building and construction, was always to be an architect. He was able to achieve this dream and worked for many years as an architect, construction manager, and specifier for Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas and Sverdrup Corporation. His hobbies were equally important to him and Bob enjoyed woodworking, cooking, collectibles of all kinds, spoiling his beloved dogs - Bo and Jessie, and restoring his big "72 Blazer. Mostly, he just enjoyed spending time with his family and keeping us all on an even keel and headed in the right direction. It was always important to Bob that those around him were healthy and happy, and he would clearly wish the same for you, as well. Bob will be interred at National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek after a brief ceremony with full military honors on Thursday, November 1st. This will be a private ceremony for his immediate family. Please join us for a celebration of Bob"s life on Sunday, November 4th between 2 pm and 5 pm at our home "" 2712 S. Beverly Place, Chandler, AZ 85286. Our family can be reached at 480.463.3889.