Klassen, Katie (1912-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Feb 4 p. 27

Birth Date: 1912 Feb 4

text of obituary:

KATIE KLASSEN

Katie Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C passed away Nov. 26. She was born Feb. 4, 1912 to Johan and Katharina Klassen in Gussarowka, Naumenko, Ukraine. Her mother died of typhus; her father married his wife's sister Maria Holzrichter. In her graduating year of elementary school, she accepted Christ. She stayed with her uncle and aunt while attending Zentralschule (junior high) in Ignatjew, village No.5. Then she worked in the office of a cooperative sunflower and linseed oil extraction factory. In 1929-30 the family immigrated to Manitou, Man. In 1931 they moved to Morden, Man., where she completed high school and worked as a domestic. In 1932 she was baptized in Winnipeg and joined the MB church. In 1937 they moved to Winnipeg. Here she worked for L Heaton, a piano teacher. She developed an interest in piano. She worked in various offices in Winnipeg. In 1936 she became a charter member of South End MB Church. She played piano for church choirs, ladies' aids and Sunday school. In 1946 she moved to Vancouver, finding work in the Hudson's Bay Co. office. She joined 43rd Ave. MB Church, serving as pianist. In 1968 she moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MS Church and serving as pianist for the church and choir. In 1985 she resigned to take care of her widowed father. In August 1992 she developed pneumonia. In September 1993 she had a stroke. After a year of therapy, she was able to play piano again. In 1993 she moved to Tabor Home. She spent her last months in Worthington Pavilion. Her first love was Christ and the church; her second love was piano and music. Predeceased by 2 brothers and a sister, she is mourned by 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 1 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen, Eldon DeFehr and Jay Neufeld ministering.