Claassen, John T. (1877-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Mar 5

text of obituary:

JOHN T. CLAASSEN

John t. Claassen, son of Johann and Gertrude Claassen, nee Toews, was born on March 5, 1877, in Marienburg, West Prussia, Germany. He came to America with his parents, brothers, and sisters in 1881 and settled on a farm near Beatrice, Neb. He received his education in the Mennonite Parochial School.

Through the Christian influence of the home, the school and the church he was led to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and was baptized upon the confesion [sic] of his fatith [sic] in May 1895, and joined the First Mennonite church of Beatrice. he remained a faithful member of this church until his death.

He took an active interest in church and Sunday school work, and lived a quiet, consecrated Christian life, often quoting Scripture and songs which he had memorized in his youth. These were a great comfort to him, especially in his last weeks on this earth.

He was married to Christine Enns on Feb. 16, 1905. This union was blessed with six sons, Albert, John, Rudolph, Willard, Louis and Edward, and one daughter, Gertrude. Together they were privileged to share joys and sorrows for over 51 years of married life.

He enjoyed good health until ten years ago when he experienced a serious operation. Even though the doctors gave up hope for his recovery the Lord saw fit to heal him, and he enjoyed good health until 18 months ago when his health began to gradually fail. He became bedfast on Sept. 16, 1956. Although he had much pain he never complained. Many times he expressed his desire to see Jesus, his Saviour.

Bro. Claassen passed to his eternal reward on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1956. He leaves to mourn his departure his faithful companion, six sons, one daughter, one son-in-law, six daughters-in-law, 19 grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.