Classen, John T. (1884-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Oct 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1884 Aug 13

text of obituary:

JOHN T. CLASSEN

Our brother, John T. Classen, was born on Aug. 13, 1884, to Rev. and Mrs. Jacob J. Classen at Fairbury, Neb. In that community he spent his boyhood days and youth and received his elementary schooling. At that time he also realized his need of a Saviour and putting his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized by Elder Abraham L. Friesen and joined the Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite Church at Fairbury.

In 1910 he came to Meade, Kansas and endured, for a time, the hardships of pioneer life on the western prairies.

On July 13, 1913, he found a helpmeet for life in Elizabeth S. Friesen, with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of life until March 30, 1944, when she was taken from him through death. This constituted a serious loss and void in his life and many lonesome days.

In early childhood he suffered a serious convulsive condition which left him with certain handicaps all his life. Also in later years a diabetic condition caused suffering so that he gave up his more active life for retirement in the home for the aged at Inman, Kansas. Here he spent about 10 years during which time he suffered a light stroke which left him almost unable to speak for the remainder of his life.

Less than a year ago he suffered from a fall, but after being hospitalized for a brief period he rallied so that he could return to the Inman home. Only of late was he taken to a private home in McPherson, Kan. for care, and later to Mercy Hospital at Moundridge where he died on Monday, Oct. 6.

Generally speaking his life could be depicted as being one in a long valley with fewer mountain tops than in many other lives, but in all he was characterized by patience. He reached the age of 74 years, one month and 23 days.

He leaves two brothers, Isaac of Meade and George of Dallas, Oregon, and two sisters, Mrs. John Cornelsen of Meade and Mrs. Isaac Cornelsen of Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada; also five brothers-in-law and six sisters-in-law and other relatives and friends. Besides his wife, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

His earthly pilgrimage is ended and he has gone to Him in whom he trusted for his salvation, where he is resting from all his labors and where we hope one day to see him again. — The Relatives.