Classen, Abe L. (1900-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Mar 19 p. 9

Birth date: 1900 Apr 13

text of obituary:

ABE L. CLASSEN

Our dear husband and father, Abe. L. Classen, was born in Jefferson county, Fairbury, Nebraska on April 13, 1900. He passed away to be with the Lord March 4, 1953 in St. Joseph’s hospital, Wichita, Kansas, reaching the age of 52 years, 10 months and 19 days.

He moved with his parents from Fairbury to Meade, Kansas in 1908 and lived on a farm south of Meade.

He was married to Agnes Bartel on March 8, 1923, and they shared joys and sorrows for almost 30 years. To this union were born nine children. One daughter preceded him in death in early childhood.

He experienced personal salvation through faith in Christ Jesus and upon confession of this faith was baptized and joined the church on June 9, 1918. In 1944 he with his wife joined the E. M. B. church. He has participated cheerfully and wholeheartedly in the activities of the church and has served his Lord and Master faithfully. In spite of sorrows and disappointments the joy of the Lord has been his strength.

About a year ago he became sick and was taken to the hospital at Meade. The Lord miraculously healed his body to the extent that he could work again for almost a year. About three months ago his health began to fail again and since then his sickness became more and more serious. On Monday, March 2, he was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital, Wichita in order to seek further help. After the doctor’s examination his condition was declared most critical. Early on Wednesday morning he passed away to be with the Lord.

Among the many hymns that were dear and precious to him, the following he asked to be sung while he was sick: “Take Your Burden to the Lord,” “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” and “This World Is Not My Home.”

He leaves to mourn his seemingly too early departure his beloved wife and eight children, Martha, missionary in Japan, Ann, missionary candidate to Japan now serving among the Indains [sic] in Poplar, Mont., Esther, Alma, Johnny, Menno, Arlene and Leona; five brothers, John L. Classen of Hissboro,[sic Hillsboro] P. L. Classen, H. L. Classen, C. L. Classen, all of Meade, George L. Classen of Kansas City, Ks.; six sisters, Katherine, Mrs. J. A. Reimer, Elizabeth, Mrs. D. A. Reimer, Margaret, Mrs. H. J. Issac [sic Isaac], Agnes, Mrs. P. J. Issac [sic Isaac], Agatha, Mrs. P. K. Issac [sic Isaac], all of Meade, Helen, Mrs. H. L. Issac [sic Isaac], Hutchinson, Ks.; his aged mother, Mrs. J. M. Classen, and a large number of relatives and friends.

We sorrow but not as those who have no hope, for we know that on that great Resurrection day we shall meet our loved one again. — The Family.