Pete A. Klassen

Pete was born between Russia and Germany, while the family fled the Stalin takeover, on August 13,
1928. Pete was the second oldest of six children. He was raised in Dinuba, CA, located in the San
Joaquin Valley. After graduating from Dinuba High School, he married his high school sweetheart,
Georgia Gerow. Pete passed away on August 15, 2022 at the wonderful age of 94, with Georgia and his
loved ones by his side.

Pete came to Ridgecrest in 1953 to work construction for Gray Rager, for two years, before becoming
the Bakersfield Californian newspaper distributer. He drove from Ridgecrest to Bakersfield to Kernville,
and back to Ridgecrest, six days a week for 13 years, compiling approximately 120,000 miles a year. He
rolled five pickup trucks, but not letting the rain, snow, or flooded highways prevent the paper from
getting through. Tired of driving the road he went to work for the City of Ridgecrest, Streets
Maintenance Department. During his 25 year tenure he worked his way up to Streets Superintendent,
under which he retired in 1995.

Pete lived a very active lifestyle dating well back to his Dinuba High School days. During this time he and
his four brothers would sign-up for collegiate (only) track and field meets and regularly surprised the
collegiate coaches and athletes alike, while beating them in their featured events! Upon settlement in
Ridgecrest, he met Don McKernan and RC Kirkendoll and began team-roping, that eventually led to him
to the rodeo circuit with his new-found friends. In 1967, Pete and Georgia's son, Randy was racing
motorcycles. In 1968 Pete got involved with racing desert, this was until he realized motocross was more
fun! He and his son would race 2-4 weekends every month for the last 3 years leading up to 1990.
During that time he also pitched in fast pitch softball leagues! Additionally, during his motocross years
he enjoyed officiating high school C.I.F. League schedule games and Playoffs in football, basketball,
baseball and softball. After retirement, golf became his newfound passion and the mentoring of his
grandson Ryan. His time was spent playing at the local area courses during the week. On weekends he
would play at Silver Lake's Country Club where he owned a condo on The South Course, for 20 years.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents: Abraham and Margaretha Klassen; his brothers: Abe, John,
Jake and Henry. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Georgia, his sister Annie Siemens, son Randy
Klassen and Deborah Corlett, former daughter-in-law Cindy Klassen, his grandsons Ryan Klassen
(Shahna), and Toby Klassen, his granddaughter Ashley Tibbetts (Ryan), six great grandchildren, and four
great-great grandchildren.

Family graveside services will be held in Dinuba, CA. Time and date to be determined.