Flaming, Katherina Friesen Klassen (1885-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 5 p. 6

Birth date: 1885 Feb 28

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 26 p. 11

text of obituary:

MRS. H. D. FLAMING

Katherina Klassen Flaming, daughter of Jacob J. C. and Cornelia Wall Friesen, was born in South Russia on Feb. 28, 1885. In seeking religious freedom the Friesen family, including Katherina, migrated to America in 1893 and settled in Marion county, Kansas, north east of Lehigh.

During the next few years of pioneer hardships she acquired her elementary education. The difficult years caused Katherina to become strong in her faith in God and her will to help others. On June 3, 1900 at the age of 15 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. Peter Balzer and received into the membership of the Alexanderwohl church.

On May 16, 1907 she was married to David J. Klassen and they made their home in Hillsboro. They transferred their membership to the First Mennonite church in Hillsboro at that time and she remained a faithful and active member of this church until her death. In her effort to do the will of God, many children were taken into the home and helped. Of these, Evelyn became a part of her family and later a son Marvin was adopted.

In the following years her life was a source of blessing to many. Her helping hand to countless numbers of people, in a physical way as well as in spiritual things, will be long remembered. She spent much time participating in church activities. Through the years her faith in God became ever stronger. She cared for many older people in her home, she became a charter member of the hospital auxiliary and was active in the mission societies in the church and in the Sunday school work. She always had a deep concern for others and gave of her time, energy and financial support to help others.

On Jan. 5, 1954 her husband David Klassen passed away. She felt that it was through the leading of God that on March 1, 1959 she was married to her now bereaved husband, Henry D. Flaming. God gave great happiness to them in the few short months that they were permitted to spend together.

She suddenly passed from us on May 7, 1960 as the sun was gently sinking.

She leaves to mourn her sudden departure her husband; one daughter, Evelyn Winkelpleck of Sunland, Calif., and one son, Marvin Klassen of Wichita; four sisters, two brothers, 12 children of her bereaved husband; six grandchildren; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held May 11, in the First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro, with Rev. Elbert Koontz and Rev. W. W. Harms officiating. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1960 Jun 7 p. 387