Klassen, Peter M. (1869-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jan 3 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 Sep 23

text of obituary:

PETER M. KLASSEN

Peter M. Klassen, youngest son of Kornelius and Anna (Neufeld) Klassen, was born Sept. 23, 1869, in South Russia and died Dec. 12,1956, at the age of 87 years, two months and 19 days.

He was married to Maria Klassen on August 26, 1890. He was baptized upon confession of his faith in his Saviour Jesus Christ and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church on June 11, 1896.

In 1903 father with his family migrated to Canada and settled at Winkler, Manitoba. Two years later the parents with four children moved and pioneered at Herbert, Sask. Here a small Mennonite Brethren Church was organized where father directed the small choir for a number of years and later was entrusted with the leadership of the church.

In 1918, April 2, our mother was taken from us through death, which was a great shock to our father, for she was a loving mother and wife as well as a helpful companion. This marriage was blessed with six sons and four daughters, two sons preceding her in death in infancy. Four more children came into the home during these 14 years at Herbert.

In October 1919 father made another move, this time to Reedley, Calif., where he resided till his death. He enjoyed good health most of his life and faced the burdens and problems with faith and trust in god. His optimistic nature sustained him in many trying hours. He was a great lover of music and in family gatherings he usually had the group sing his favorite songs and play instruments. This created cheerful moments for him and the family. He also testified for his Lord and Saviour at every opportunity possible. Even in his dying hours, he was concerned that all the children be ready when Christ comes.

On July 20, 1920, he married Mrs. Margaret Quiring of Main Centter [sic Center], Sask. Death ended this union when the second wife and mother died Jan. 27, 1938. Again father found a companion in Mrs. Katherina Wall and was married to her June 20, 1939. He was saddened Nov. 9, 1946 by the message of the sudden death of his oldest son, Peter, in Saskatchewan.

Almost four years ago the parents moved into the home for the aged in Reedley where they enjoyed fellowship and a Christian atmosphere. On May 27, 1955, the Lord saw fit to also take this wife from his side. During the current year father the sad experience of losing his two youngest sons, Jacob in a train mishap on May 7, and his youngest son, Abe, on Nov. 7, 1956 in a highway crash. Since the latter's death, our father's health failed increasingly. Upon the doctor's advice, he was taken to the Reedley hospital Dec. 11 for special care and a day later he passed away. He was the last of his family to pass to his eternal Home, for which he yearned.

He leaves the following children: Anna, Mrs. George Gerbrandt; Mary, Mrs. J. J. Gerbrandt; Sarah, Mrs. Sam Eitzen of Reedley; Kathryn, Mrs. Frank Kroeker of Tranquility; one son, C. P. Klassen of San Jose; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of friends.

We mourn not as those who have no hope, but rather rejoice in the fact that we will see him again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. — The Immediate Family.