It is with bittersweet hearts that we announce that on December 24, 2025, Elmer “Lynn” Klase went home—fully restored—to splendid glory, reunited with his parents and the siblings who had gone on before, and at last able to hold in his arms a grandson and a great‑granddaughter he had never met. A dedicated father, husband of 64 years, member of the Church of Christ, and supporter of the underdog, Elmer “Lynn” Klase was born in Oklahoma in 1941 to Elmer and Juanita Klase. He spent his adolescent years on a farm in Frederick before moving to Arvin, California, with his parents, sister Marcia Lackey, brother Tom Klase, and youngest sister, Vian Klase, in 1956.
After graduating from Arvin High, Lynn enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed in Paris, France, for six years. There he met the love of his life (it was love at first sight), Monika, and their beautiful story together began. Lynn and Monika had four children: Dieter Klase, Kerstin Dumas, Sabine Mixon, and Guenter Klase, to whom they bequeathed a wonderful childhood of love and passed down many enduring traits and an everlasting faith. After leaving the Army, Lynn was the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Cal State Bakersfield. He used that education to inspire students at Woodrow Wallace Elementary for 15 years and to coach winning sixth- through eighth-grade basketball teams. Some weekends saw him with the whole squad catfishing at the lake into the night, then later boys lying in sleeping bags all over the living room and kitchen, and Monika making big pots of chili for dinner and homemade donuts (LOTS of them) for breakfast. Lynn then moved to Kern Valley High, where he spent another 15 years supporting, uplifting, and inspiring (sometimes with tough love) students to be the best they could be. “Lynn bravely helmed the girls’ volleyball team” for one year but decided the boys were a better fit, continuing to coach the boys' basketball team, teaching discipline, hard work, and a winning spirit. Later, golf became Lynn’s passion, and his favorite sport to coach, so he decided to pass that passion on to interested students, and a golfing team graced the high school as well. His motto was, “If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well!” He lived by that motto, which pushed him to succeed in all that he did. At times, he purchased sneakers for kids on the court, bought dinner for some on away games, and supplied golfing equipment for kids whose families couldn’t. His hobbies included leathercrafting, woodworking, club making and repairing, chalk art, all sports (coaching and playing), bowling, hunting, fishing, and, most especially, golfing. Lynn was a man of firm conviction, and for those who paid attention, the lesson to stand by their convictions no matter what was learned.
After retiring, Lynn could be found creating wood burl works of art such as tables, enjoying his hobbies, preaching, song leading, supporting his children, their spouses (Brent Mixon, Cindy Klase, and Mark Dumas) and cheering on his grandchildren: William (Billy) Kissack, Kevin Mixon, Corey Mixon, Melissa Klase, Jessica Klase, Cade Dumas, Dayne Dumas, Gage Dumas, and Sierra Klase (helping raise Sierra with steadfast love). To date, God has blessed Lynn and Monika with nine great-grandchildren whom they adore.
Heartfelt facts: Lynn loved his family—his children’s friends, his nieces, nephews, colleagues, and students. However, his love (though in his earlier years he had a tough exterior) was not only held for his immediate or extended family. His home, his wallet, his intelligence, and his faith were open to any child who was having a tough time. Lynn and Monika housed (often at Lynn’s invitation and Monika’s nurturing) many children and provided support both short-term and lifelong. Through their love and generosity, their family is far larger than most would realize. As a devoted member of the Church of Christ, he moved quietly in service if he saw a need. He had a beautiful voice and could seamlessly sing all parts of harmony, bringing soothing comfort when needed. It was one of his great joys to sing with his daughters and his spiritual family. He often carried a tune-sung or whistled-in his heart.
Lynn’s legacy has touched many, far and wide, and he has earned his sweet rest. RIP, Lynn—husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, teacher, mentor, fierce protector, friend, and servant of God.
A celebration of life will be held 11am on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Mountain Mesa Church of Christ, 6400 Dogwood Ave., Mountain Mesa, CA 93240.
