Klassen, Anna Harder (1895-1935)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1935 Oct 8 p. 14

Birth date: 1895 May 24

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1935 Oct 2 p. 3

text of obituary:

Mrs. G. J. Klassen.

Mrs. G. J. Klassen, nee Harder, was born May 24, 1895 in Prangnau, S. Russia. In early childhood she lost her father in death. She was suffering from rheumatism and took bathing cures at different places but without success. On the last day of the year 1907 she and her mother united in prayer upon the promise of Christ, Matthew 18: 19, "I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth, as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, which is in Heaven." God wrought a miracle. On New Year's day, after having been bedfast for eight months, she got up and went to church.

Having believed on Jesus as her Savior, she also followed him in baptism.

On Aug. 31, 1913, we were united in marriage. Eight children were born to us, of which Anna, the first-born died at the age of one month. At that time, my companion took sick, with typhoid fever. No doctor gave any hope for recovery. Again the Lord answered our prayer. During the period of the World War, the Russian revolution, famine and communism our life was constantly in danger. We decided to leave Russia and come to Old Mexico. Here again she had typhoid fever and the Lord graciously raised her up.

Coming to the U. S. we located at Goessel, Kansas, and labored in the Bethesda Institutions for nine years. There we joined the Goessel Mennonite Church. This spring moving to Elbing, we united with the Zion Church at this place.

At the beginning of this year, because of heart disease and high blood pressure, she was taken to the hospital several times. She received temporary relief, but as a whole her condition was not improved. During the last two months she suffered much especially the last ten days. But she was confident and trusted her Savior in childlike faith. And now she is at home, waiting for us.

The end came September 16 at 11 p. m. at the age of 40 years, 3 months and 23 days. She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband Gerh. J. Klassen, 7 children; Mary 17, Gerhard 15, Anna 14, Helen 12, Peter 11, Bennie 9 and Wanda 7. Also one brother in Canada, two in California and one sister in Russia, besides many other relatives and friends. — The bereaved husband and children.