Classen, Abraham J. (1878-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Mar 5 p. 8

Birth date: 1878 Sep 27

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM J. CLASSEN

Abraham J. Classen, son of Mr. and Mrs. jacob Classen, was born Sept. 27, 1878 on a homestead near Fairbury, Neb. He was the youngest of 15 children born into the family and yet lived to be the oldest.

As a young man, he placed his personal faith in Christ as his Savior from sin and was baptized upon profession of his faith. He later joined the E.M.B. Church at Jansen, Neb.

On May 20, 1900, he joined hands in holy matrimony with Katharina Brandt. Nine children were born to this union: Tena (deceased), Elizabeth (Mrs. Ben F. Kroeker, deceased), Marie (deceased), Pete, Isaac, Sarah (Mrs. Henry Kroeker), Lena (deceased), and Margaret.

In 1910 the family moved to Meade, Kan. and built a new house. They stayed only about a year and then moved to Jansen, Neb. Here again the family resumed farming.

True to the meaning of his Bible name, father liked to travel. Thirty years of farming at Jansen were left behind on Nov. 11, 1941, and together with several other families, settlement was started in the Luton, Iowa community. Here he remained until his passing.

He leaves to mourn, his wife Katharina, with whom he spent 63 years of earth's joys and sorrows; four children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, four daughters, and one granddaughter.

He enjoyed good health most of his life. His participation in regular church services was missed only after Dec. 13, 1963. He quietly passed on to his eternal reward at his home on Sunday, Jan. 19, 1964 at 5:30 p.m. He reached the age of 85 years, three months, and 22 days.

Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the E. M. B. Church, Luton, Iowa. Burial was at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux city, Iowa. — The Family.