Klassen, Arlo James (1935-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jan 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1935 May 26

text of obituary:

— Funeral services for Arlo James Klassen, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf F. Klassen of Route 2, Moundridge, were held Sunday afternoon at the Alexanderwohl church. Rev. Philip A. Wedel officiated, assisted by Rev. Arnold Funk of Hillsboro. The youth, who had been ill for a number of years with a muscular ailment, passed away Thursday morning, Jan. 14. Besides the parents, he leaves a sister, Mrs. J. Randolf Voth of rural Hillsboro, a brother Perry of Newton, and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Klassen of Hillsboro.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jan 28 p. 9

text of obituary:

ARLO JAMES KLASSEN

Arlo James Klassen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf F. and Esther (Nikkel Klassen, [sic] was born May 26, 1935, at the Bethesda hospital, Goessel, Kansas.

He attended school from his parental home for four years at the South Bloomfield school when because of illness he had to discontinue school attendance, but did much studying at home under the supervision of his parents.

He was baptized upon confession of faith in his Redeemer Jesus Christ May 13, 1951, by Rev. Philip A. Wedel, and joined the Alexanderwohl church, whose faithful member he remained until his death. He attended church services regularly with his parents as long as his health permitted and the last two years, being confined to his home, he would enjoy the services of the church through the public address system which brought the services to his home.

Arlo endeared himself to his parents, brother and sister, as well as many friends, by kindness, patience and contentment. Anyone visiting him was himself inspired. In his childlike faith and hope, he lived his life very happily in spite of handicaps. He enjoyed listening to stories read or told to him and took special interest in religious radio programs.

Arlo was always very sympathetic to those who were sick, no doubt because he himself knew what it meant to be handicapped because of illness. The writing of letters by friends, get-well-cards, studying of scenic pictures, visitations of friends and relatives gave him much joy as well as pastime.

He had the greatest physical discomforts in the last six months of his life. However his mother and father continually stood by him to relieve him whenever possible. His illness was progressive muscular dystrophy, an incurable disease. In spite of seeking every possible medical aid his vitality seemed to decline, and he passed away in the morning of Jan. 14, 1954, reaching the age of 18 years, nine months and 18 days.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his deeply sorrowing parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf F. Klassen of Moundridge, one sister, Phyllis, Mrs. J. Randolf Voth and husband and family, of Hillsboro, one brother Perry Klassen and wife Clarene and daughter of Newton, Kansas; two nephews and one niece, his grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Klassen of Hillsboro, and many other relatives and friends who were very dear to him.

Funeral services for Arlo were held from the home and at the Alexanderwohl church on Sunday afternoon Jan. 17, 1954, conducted by Rev. Philip A. Wedel, assisted by Rev. Arnold Funk of Hillsboro.