Classen, Anna R. Friesen (1886-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 4 p. 6

Birth date: 1886 Mar 4

. . .

— Mrs. Anna R. Classen of near Meade, Kans. died at Bethel Deaconess hospital Thursday, Nov. 27. She had been a patient here since Oct. 20, after suffering a stroke of paralysis. Funeral services were to be held Saturday at the Emanuel Mennonite church, Meade. She is survived by her husband, Jacob R. Classen, four sons, Dick, Will and George of Meade, and Rev. Martin Classen of Burns; one daughter, Mrs. Marie Reimer of Meade; and two sisters, Miss Agnes Friesen of Larned and Miss Margaret Friesen of Belpre.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 18 p. 9

text of obituary:

MRS. JACOB R. CLASSEN

Mrs. Jacob R. Classen, nee Anna Friesen, was born on Mar. 4, 1886, at Jansen, Nebraska, and passed away to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 12:30 p.m. at the Bethel Deaconess hospital, Newton, having reached the age of 66 years, eight months and 23 days.

Due to financial difficulties in her father's home she began working out at the age of 13. Thus her youth was not always pleasant. It was during her youth that she was converted, and was baptized and accepted into the Mennonite church on May 23, 1904.

In February 1908 she, with her parents, came to settle in the Meade community and in the following year on March 14, 1909, was united in marriage to Jacob R, Classen with whom she shared joys and sorrows for more than 43 years. On April 30, 1944, she with her husband was accepted into the Emmanuel Mennonite church, of which she remained a faithful member unto her death.

The Lord blessed this union with nine children, four of whom preceded her in death.

Sister Classen always worked hard in spite of physical difficulties. She never was seriously ill or hospitalized until the last several months when she suffered a stroke and then was taken to Bethel Deaconess hosptal[sic], Newton, on Oct. 20. During her stay in the hospital, complications set in such as pneumonia and then another stroke until she quietly fell asleep in Jesus on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 12:30 p.m.

In all these many years the family has known her to be very deeply concerned for their spiritual welfare. She will be remembered as a loving wife and mother. Even before her severe illness she had made many preparations for Christmas even to the purchasing of gifts for the family.

The family and we all are particularly thankful for the bright testimony she left behind, regarding her own salvation. Her expressions such as: "I am ready to go,” “I trust in Jesus,” and “If the Lord calls me, it is well” are a source of great comfort to all.

Her favorite Bible verses were: "Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever” and "Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” The German songs: “Keiner wird zu schanden.” "Selig in Jesu Armen” and "Dort ueber enem Sternen-Meer” were often sung and also requested by her at home and in the hospital.

She has now passed from faith to sight. The beauty of heaven for her by far surpasses the vision of heaven she had in her dream shortly before she passed away.

She leaves to mourn her departure: her beloved husband, Jacob R. Classen; five children, Dick of Meade, Martin of Burns, Willie, Marie, Mrs. Dave C. Reimer and George, of Meade; two sisters, four daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, 17 grandchildren, a host of relatives and friends, who mourn but not as those who have no hope of seeing their loved one again. One grandchild has preceded her in death.

The funeral services were conducted in the Emmanuel church of Meade, Kansas. The officiating ministers were Reverends Sam Epp and Henry P. Wiebe. Her final resting place is in the Emmanuel Mennonite cemetery. — Jacob R. Classen & Children.