Klassen George Jacob (1915-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Sep 22 p. 26

Birth date: 1915 Jul 16

text of obituary:

GEORGE JACOB KLASSEN

died July 20. He was born July 16, 1915 in Borden, Sask. to John and Martha Klassen. During the Depres- sion, George's family spent time in Califor- nia before returning to Canada in 1927. In 1939, George moved to fiancee Linda; 9 grand- children; 1 great-granddaughter. The memo- rial service was Aug. 2 at Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C. Helen Wiens died July Vancouver to work as a welder. He married 21. She was born Sept. Ella Hoppe Aug. 1944. In 1950, they moved to 3, 1917 in Fuersten- Greendale, B.C. where George operated a truck- Blondina Heppner Blondina Heppnerdied Aug. 1. She was born July 1, 1918 to Johann and Anna Bergmann in Alexanderdorf, Rus- sia.ln May 1925, she ar- rived in Canada, where she lived in Manitoba and then B.C. Blondina married Peter Heppner Apr. 6, 1937. She helped him start a trucking business and was the cheery voice on the phone taking orders. Blondina and Peter were baptized Aug. 8, 1954 and joined 26 Se ptember 22 . 2006 MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD werder, Ukraine to John and Agnetha Goetz. She immigrated to Canada in 1926 and the family settled in Dalmeny, Sask. Helen married Clarence Wiens during WWII. Their sons Don and Terry were born in St. Catha rines, Ont., and daughter Judy on Salt Spring Island, B.C. In 1970, they settled in Langley, B.C. Clarence died in 1983. Helen survived this loss with the support of her family and new friends at South Langley MB Church, where she was known as a prayer warrior. Helen spent many happy hours with her i ng business and drove school bus. George ac- cepted Jesus as Saviour Feb. 1963, was baptized, and joined Greendale MB Church. George was an innovator. He built an apple press, enjoyed working with antique gas engines and anything mechanical, and taught himself to play several musical instruments. George was a role model, teaching his sons responsibility, loyalty, and ser- vice to others. He had a lively sense of humour and was never ashamed to show his emotions. Predeceased by Ella in 1996, he is mourned by sons Jim (Irene) and Harvey (Bev); 6 grandchil- dren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was July 26 at Greendale MB Church.