Claassen, Marie Ensz (1865-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Apr 11 p. 6

Birth date: 1865 Jul 25

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the First Mennonite Church for Mrs. Marie E. Claassen, 91, daughter of pioneer settlers here and a resident of Newton since 1884. Death came Sunday afternoon at the home on East Third Street. Officiating at the services were Rev. Arnold Epp, the pastor, and Rev. J. E. Entz. Mrs. Claassen was the widow of C. F. Claassen, one of the founders of the Kansas State Bank. A son, C. W. Claassen, is now president of the bank. Another son, Ted E. Claassen, and a grandson, W. C. Claassen, also are associated with the bank. Other survivors include a son, John P. of the home; two daughters, Mrs. K. A. Richert and Anna of Newton; two brothers, H. H. Toevs of Newton and R. F. Toevs of Nevada, Mo.; one sister. Mrs. G. A. Entz of Newton; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Apr 18 p. 8

text of obituary:

Mrs. C. F. CLAASSEN

God permitted death to terminate the life of our mother, Mrs. C. F. Claassen, on Sunday, April 7, 1957, at the age of 91 years, eight months, 12 days. She was born July 25, 1865 near Marienburg, Germany, to Helena (Funk) and Herman Dietrich Ensz. Her father died when she was only two years old. Her mother later married Jacob R. Toews, and in 1884 the family, with nine children, came to the United States.

On Dec. 18, 1884, she was married to Cornelius F. Claassen in McLain, Kansas. Shortly thereafter they moved to Newton where their home was characterized by its Christian hospitality. Their home was also blessed with nine children, four of whom died in early childhood.

Together they were privileged to visit their former homes in Marienburg in 1930, and in 1934 celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Since father's death in 1941, she had the loving care of the children, John P. and Anna of the home, Cornelius W., Helen and Ted, all of Newton.

Surviving also are two brothers, H. H. Toevs, Newton, and R. F. Toevs, Nevada, Mo.; one sister, Mrs. G. A. Entz, Newton; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

We will remember her great faith, loving admonitions, and patient longing for that fuller life with her Lord and Saviour.

"The memory of the just is blessed." Proverbs10:7. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Apr 30 p. 286