Klaassen, Peter C. (1868-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Feb 2 p. 3

Birth date: 1868 Dec 13

text of obituary:

PETER C. KLAASSEN

Peter C. Klaassen was born in South Russia on Dec. 13, 1868. When he was seven years old, his parents emigrated to the United States of America and settled on a farm six miles northwest of Mountain Lake.

On May 26, 1890 he was baptized upon his confession of faith in Christ as his personal Savior and became a member of the Bergfelder church, now the Gospel Mennonite church.

He found in Anna Rempel his life's companion and they were married on June 16, 1896, at Lamberton, Minn., by Rev. Dietrich Walde. The wedding text was Jude 20:21, “But, ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." They shared life's joys and sorrows for almost 31 years, when the Lord took the mother home on May 31, 1927. He lived in the state of widowhood [sic widowerhood] over 22 years.

Among his sorrows were the passing away of two daughters and an infant son, and in 1903 the loss of their earthly home in a tornado. It was here that the infant Mary died in the arms of the mother under the ruins. This was an unforgettable loss. In the fall of 1932 he and daughter Helen left the farm to live the rest of his life in Mountain Lake.

A little over six years ago he suffered a stroke. Cornelius Gottfried and Jacob Buhler assisted for a while in caring for him. During the last few months when help again was needed, Mrs. John Wedel helped out until she went to stay with her son in Duluth, then Mrs. D. P. Eitzen came to help out. During the last year he completely lost his eyesight. He passed away at about 2:30 in the morning of Dec. 14. His age was 81 years and a few hours.

He leaves to mourn his passing six children: Peter A. Klaassen. John P. Klaassen, Jacob A. Klaassen of Mountain Lake, Cornelius P. Klaassen, missionary in Ecuador, S. A., Henry P. Klaassen and Helen Klaassen of Mountain Lake. Three children preceded him in death. He had 17 grandchildren of whom one died.

He also leaves five daughters-in-law; three sisters, Mrs. P. J. Peters, Waldheim, Sask., Mrs. Peter Boese, Hutchinson, Kans., Mrs. Peter P. Rempel, Mountain Lake; one sister-in-law, Mrs. H. A. Thiessen, Warroad, Minn.; two brothers-in-law, P. P. Rempel, Mountain Lake, and P. H. Boese, Hutchinson, Kans.