Ernest L. Claassen, age 68, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, died Saturday, November 3, 2007, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, November 9, 2007, at the American Lutheran Church in DeSmet, with interment in the DeSmet Cemetery. Visitations will precede services at the church. Eidsness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ernest Lester Claassen was born January 31, 1939, at Erwin, South Dakota, to David and Anna (Haufschild) Claassen. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Bryant, South Dakota. He attended school at Erwin. He moved with his parents to DeSmet in 1958. Ernest was a resident of the Redfield State Hospital and School in the 1960s. He later moved to Hot Springs in the 1980s and has since resided there. Ernest loved going for rides, observing the wildlife and the beauty of the Hills. Though in failing health in recent years, he was always cheerful and had a gentle spirit. Survivors include a brother, Edward Claassen, of Erwin, South Dakota; a sister, Dorothy Streeter, of Volga, South Dakota; two nieces; a nephew; and cousins.