Classen, Jacob R. (1886-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Sep 6 p. 8

Birth date: 1886 Jun 28

text of obituary:

JACOB R. CLASSEN

Jacob R. Classen was born June 28, 1886, near Jansen, Neb. to Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius J. Classen. He passed away at 5:45 p. m. August 9, 1956, as [sic] his home at Meade, Kan., having reached the age of 70 years, one month and 11days.

In August 1907 he moved to Meade County together with others of the family where he resided the rest of his life. Following the experience of soul salvation, he was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church near Meade on June 8, 1908, and later united with the Emmanuel Mennonite Church of Meade.

On March14, 1909, he was married to Anna R. Friesen, with whom he shared joys and sorrows for more than 43 years — until she was called from his side to be with the Lord on Nov. 27,1952. The Lord had blessed this union with nine children, four of whom preceded him in death.

On Dec. 20, 1953, he entered into holy bonds of matrimony with Mary Bartel. Thus he enjoyed a united married walk also during his last two and one-half years and was cared for by loving hands during his illness.

It became apparent during his last years that he was ailing. Although medical aid was sought to improve his health, he was never hospitalized until a sudden heart attack on July 26 left him seriously ill and made it necessary that he be taken to the hospital in Meade. During his stay in the hospital he improved slowly and was removed to his home after nine days. On Wednesday, the day before his death, he seemed remarkably well, but on Thursday afternoon took a sudden turn for the worse and at 5:45 quietly was taken from this life to be with Jesus whom he trusted.

The family is comforted at the thought that their loved one was prepared to leave this world to go to a better place. His verbal expressions toward the last were that he was ready to go. The song he had often requested to be sung in German was "In the Sweet By-and-By" and the scripture verses he often quoted were "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever" and "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, Mary; five children, Dick of Meade, Martin of Dallas, Ore., Willis of Walnut Hill, Florida, Marie, Mrs. Dave C. Reimer of Meade, and George of Meade; four daughters-in-law, one son-in-law; 20 grandchildren, (two preceded him in death); three brothers and six sisters, Katherine, Mrs. Jacob R. Friesen, Henry R. Classen, John R. Classen of Dallas, Ore., Marie, Mrs. B. H. Doerksen, Elizabeth, Mrs. P. J. Rempel, Agatha, Mrs. I. W. Loewen, C. F. Classen, Anna, Mrs. John Kroeker of Jansen, Neb., and Margaret, Mrs. Nick Reimer; three uncles, P. F. Rempel of Meade, H. F. Rempel of Jansen, Neb., and Abram Classen of Salix, Iowa; one aunt, Mrs. George J. Classen of Meade, and a host of other relatives. — The Jacob R. Classen Family.