Claassen, Catharine (1885-1946)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1946 Mar 12 p. 14

Birth date: 1885 Feb 7

text of obituary:

Caharine [sic Catharine] Claassen wurde geboren den 7. Februar, 1885 bei Beatrice, Nebraska, und der Herr über Leben und Tod rief sie zu sich am 13. Februar, 1946. In demselben Hause wo der Herr ihr das Leben schenkte, hat sie ihre ganze Lebenszeit zugebracht und hat sich stets bemüht in Liebe und Opferwilligkeit dem Herrn zu Ehren zu leben. Ihren Schulunterricht hat sie erhalten in unserer Gemeindeschule. Am 19. Mai 1902 wurde unsere Schwester auf das Bekenntnis ihres Glaubens getauft von unserem damaligen Aeltesten Gerhard Penner und ist darin treu geblieben bis an ihr Ende. Alt geworden ist sie 61 Jahre und 6 Tage. Ihr Abscheiden wird betrauert von 5 Brüdern und 2 Schwestern, 3 Schwägerinnen, einer Tante, und vielen Freunden.

“Endlich kommt er leise,
Nimmt uns bei der Hand,
Führt uns von der Reise
Heim ins Vaterland.
Dann ist’s ausgerungen’.
Ach, dann sind wir da,
Wo Ihm wird gesungen
Ein Hallelujah!”

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Mar 21 p. 3

text of obituary:

CATHARINE CLAASSEN

Catharine Claassen, daughter of Johann and Gertrude (Toevs) Claassen, was born near Beatrice, Nebraska, on February 7, 1885, and answered the call of the Lord of Life and Death on February 13, 1946.

She spent her whole life in the home in which she was born, constantly striving, in quietness and love, to live to the honor of her Lord. She attended local parochial school.

On May 19, 1902, she was baptized upon confession of her faith by Elder Gerhard Penner and joined the Mennonite church of which she remained a faithful member. She reached the age of 61 year and 6 days.

Mourning her departure are five brothers, two sisters, three sisters-in-law, one aunt, and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Miss Catharine Claassen were held February 18, 1946. Rev. Walter H. Dyck officiated at the home, where he read 2 Pet. 1:2-21, and led in prayer. His comforting words to members of the immediate family, relatives and friends were based on 2 Pet. 1:10-11. A ladies quartet composed of Mrs. John K. Wiebe, Mrs. William Reimer, Mrs. G. P. Reimer, and mrs. Theodor Goossen, accompanied by Miss Gertrude Jantzen sang, “In the Garden.”

Further services were held from the First Mennonite church at Beatrice. The congregation joined in the singing of the song, “Unter den Lillien.” Rev. C. Penner read Eph. 1:3-14 and led in the opening prayer. His message in the German language was taken from Eph. 2:19-20. “Las Mich Gehen” was sung by the ladies quartet. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him,” (I Thess. 4:14) was the text of Rev. Walter H. Dyck’s message. The closing song, “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” was by the ladies quartet.

Interment was made in the church cemetery. After the song “Going Down the Valley” by the quartet Rev. Dyck read Rev. 7:9-17 and spoke the committal prayer and benediction.

Pall bearers were Fred, Robert, Albert and John Claassen, and Arthur and Edgar Wiebe.

The Mennonite obituary: 1946 Mar 5 p. 13