Klassen, Peter (1934-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Sep 13 p. 33

Birth date: 1934 May 19

text of obituary:

PETER KLASSEN

Peter Klassen passed away June 14. He was born May 19, 1934 to Abram and Aganetha Klassen in Fernheim, Paraguay. His child- hood was spent on the family farm in Waldesruh. He was baptized at 15, joining the EMB Church in Filadelfia. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. He had 2 years of high school and attended Bib le school. He had a heart for missions. He married Berta Balzer Aug . 13, 1960. He had a sharp mind for details and could do math in his head . He worked as a bookkeeper in the industrial depar tment of Fernheim Mennonite Colony. In 1964 he and Berta moved to Vancouver. They maintained close connections with their families in Paraguay. He began working for B.C. Millwork as a labourer and forklift operator two years later, retiring after 29 years. He was a dedicat- ed worker, grateful for his job. In Vancouver MB Church, he served as youth leader, trea- surer, Sunday school superintendent, council member and deacon. He was always early for church, had his favourite pew, strongly sup- ported Conference ministries and loved at- tending MB conventions. He was generous and giving, hosted many people in his home and visited and encouraged others. He was quiet, cairn , supportive husband and father. He loved read ing and li stening to music. Though lega lly blind by 1997, he never com - plained. Hi s ph ys ical h ea lth deteriorated, but hi s sp irit did not. He had confidence in God and wa s com mitted to prayer. He regularly went for walks, played games and drank mdte. Pr edeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Berta; son Leonard; 3 brothers and 1 sis ter.