Classen, George J. (1874-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 May 18 p. 6

Birth date: 1874 Apr 7

text of obituary:

GEORGE J. CLASSEN

George J. Classen was born April 7, 1874 in South Russia and departed this life April 15, 1950, at 5 a. m. He reached the age of 76 years and eight days.

In the fall of 1874 he together with his parents, Jacob and Katherine Classen, migrated from Russia to America and settled in Jefferson county, Nebr. In later years he with his family moved to Meade, Kans., where he spent the remainder of his years.

On July 27, 1895, he was united to Agnes Rempel in the holy bonds of matrimony. In this union they shared joys, sorrows and sickness for 54 years, seven months, and 18 days. The Lord blessed this union with five sons and three daughters.

He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 20 and has since that time always rejoiced in his salvation. He was baptized upon confession of faith by Elder Abraham L. Friesen on May 20, 1894, and received as a member into the Mennonite church. This congregation later dissolved and he then transferred his membership to the Emmanuel Mennonite church of which he remained a true and faithful member until his death.

He served faithfully as minister of the Gospel for many years, until his health failed. He was always willing and ready to serve his Lord and fellowmen in various Christian activities. He was a great lover of the truth and would always defend the right. His character was outstanding and revealed itself in his honesty, fidelity and daily unselfish services which he rendered unreservedly to his family and fellowmen.

The first signs of failing health were revealed in what is commonly termed as high blood pressure. This resulted in several light strokes and also other complications. All these diseases together culminated in dropsy which caused his death.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife; three daughters, Elizabeth (Mrs. Ben Z. Friesen) of Meade, Agnes (Mrs. Neil Fast) of Winnipeg, Man., Can., Margaret (Mrs. Jake Z. Friesen) of Meade; five sons, George of Meade, Jake of Dallas, Oregon, Pete of Dinuba, Calif., Henry of Meade, Cornie of Marion, S. Dakota; also 26 grandchildren, four great grandchildren; five daughters-in-law; one brother, Abe J. Classen of Salix, Iowa; and a host of relatives and friends.

His parents, four sisters, eight brothers and three grandchildren preceded him in death.

We sorrow not as those who have no hope, but we rejoice in his glorious victory through Christ and we are looking forward to the reuniting of our family circle.

Services were conducted Wednesday at the Emmanuel Mennonite church in the Settlement with Henry R. Harms conducting, assisted by Rev. John R. Wall, who presented the opening Scripture. Short services were held at the Fletcher Funeral Home before the funeral cortage [sic] departed for the church, with Rev. A. W. Ferguson of the Apostolic Faith church in charge.

Music was furnished by the quartet of the church composed of Meno Loewen, Henry Z. Friesen, Henry L. Isaac and Dan Reimer, with Mrs. Ike L. Friesen at the piano. Pall bearers were Peter J. Rempel, Geo. J. Rempel, Abe C. Classen, Henry L. Classen, C. F. Classen and Isaac T. Classen. Burial was in the Emmanuel cemetery.