Klassen, John (1900-1969)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1969 Nov 28 p. 30

Birth date: 1900 Mar 11

text of obituary:

JOHN KLASSEN

John Klassen was held in the Mennonite Brethren Church of Coaldale, Alberta, on November 13. Three all-important questions, "Who art thou?" "Whither goest thou?" and "Whose are these before thee?" were the basis of Rev. H. P. Nikkel's message. Officiating, Rev. D. J. Pankratz contrasted man. transient as the grass and flower, to the Lord whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting (Ps. 103:8-18).

John Klassen was born to Isaak and Marguerita Klassen in Osterwick, Russia on March 11, 1900. He emigrated to Canada with his parents in 1907 taking up residence in Manitoba then later in Kelstern, Saskatchewan. At the age of 16, he found peace with God through John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Upon this confession of faith he was baptized in August of the same year and received into the MB Church.

In 1933 he married Mary Redekopp and God blessed them with one daughter. Homesteading in Speedwell, Sask. proved most difficult during the Depression so the Klassens moved to Coaldale, Alberta In 1942. On November 1, upon the occasion of another funeral, he expressed the desire that he might be the next one to be called home. This the Lord granted him on November 9.

Mourning his passing but looking forward to meeting him in glory are his wife, daughter, son-in-law, four grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.