Community Spotlight
Gail Klaassen’s journey from the quiet plains of Winfield, Kansas, to her role as a Neosho County Commissioner is one rooted in family, service, and a deep connection to her community. Growing up on a family farm with hardworking, God-fearing parents and three siblings, her early life revolved around simple values: faith, perseverance, and family. “It was a simple life with family at the center,” she recalls.
One childhood memory that shaped her perspective is the family vacations to California every other year. These trips were possible because the family saved their pennies and nickels to make them happen. Commissioner Klaassen remembers how these vacations broadened her view of the world.
“I learned that if you make something a priority, you can achieve it. It also opened my eyes to the world outside of Kansas. There are people that live differently and think differently than us, and that’s okay.”
Her formative years also included playing on one of the first female basketball teams in her high school. “We didn’t win a single game that year, but I learned that new beginnings are hard. Keep going and it will get better,” she says.
Commissioner Klaassen’s professional life began in Neosho County when she and her husband, Doug, moved to the area 37 years ago to become fixed-base operators at the Chanute Municipal Airport. Running a small business for over a decade equipped her with valuable skills in budgeting, public service, and employee support—skills she now uses as a county commissioner.
Her decision to enter local government was sparked by watching her husband serve as a Chanute city commissioner. “When this position became available, I was looking for a way to give back to my community and decided to go for it,” she says. Now, five years into her role, Commissioner Klaassen remains committed to serving the citizens of Neosho County.
As a commissioner, she faces the ongoing challenge of balancing low taxes with providing high-quality services. One of her proudest accomplishments is the passing of a half-cent sales tax for county roads and bridges. This move has paved the way for long-overdue projects to finally be addressed. “For the next ten years, the county will be able to fix many issues, thanks to this new tax,” she explains. One early success from this effort was securing a KDOT grant that will fund a $1.1 million bridge project, with the county’s contribution at just $110,000.
Beyond her professional life, Commissioner Klaassen is an advocate for children through her volunteer work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). For the past ten years, she has been a voice for children in the court system, ensuring they feel cared for and supported. It’s a passion that complements her role as a commissioner, where serving the community remains her top priority.
When she’s not working, she spends time with her five adult children and six grandchildren, with two more on the way next spring. Family is, as always, her greatest joy. And as she continues her work for Neosho County, she holds dear the principles of justice, mercy, and humility— values she draws from her favorite Bible verse, Micah 6:8.
Looking ahead, she is hoping to implement longterm planning for the county. She believes that great things happen with preparation and vision. “The county would benefit greatly by implementing a 5- and 10-year long-term plan,” she says. “Where are we going, and how are we going to get there? Simple questions that should be asked each year during budget time.”
For Commissioner Gail Klaassen, serving Neosho County is more than just a job—it’s a commitment to helping her community thrive, one decision at a time.
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
