Klassen, Abraham J. (1872-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jan 19 p. 5

Birth date: 1872 Jan 12

— Abram J. Klassen, one of the early immigrants who came to this country from Russia in the 1870's, passed away at his home on East Broadway early Sunday morning. He was 78 years of age, having been three years old at the time of the migration. He had been ill since last March and bedfast for five months. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Bethel college chapel, with burial in the Tabor cemetery. Surviving him are his wife, Anna four daughters and two sons.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jan 26 p. 3, 6

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM J. KLASSEN

Abraham J. Klassen was born January 12, 1872, in South Russia. In 1875 he came to this country with his parents, Johann and Sara Unruh Klassen. They made their home in McPherson county, Kans. He received his schooling mostly from Rev. Peter Balzer.

Upon the confession of his faith he was baptized on May 18, 1891, by Rev. Jacob Buller and became a member of the Alexanderwohl church. When the Tabor church was organized in 1908, he became a charter member. Later, when at home in Newton, he joined the Bethel College church.

March 23, 1898, he was united in marriage with Maria Dyck, with whom he shared life's sorrows and joys for over 30 years. To this union two sons and six daughters were born, of whom two daughters preceded him in death. They celebrated, their silver anniversary in 1923. In 1928, the 17th of April, this mother was called home.

June 4, 1929 he married Mrs. Anna Hiebert in Mountain Lake, Minn., and returned with her and her four daughters to his farm near Hesston where they lived until 1935, when they moved to a smaller place nearer to Newton. After four years they lived for one year with their children, Albert and Agatha Klassen in Newton. After Ruth Hiebert had bought a home, it provided the folks with a good home until now.

Slowly old age crept upon the husband and father, after having always worked hard, and in March 1949, after a light stroke, he became weak and helpless. Soon the mother gave up all and housework and with God’s help, cared for to her patient. The children helped with ever increasing willingness. He made known that he wished all the children to be present at Christmas and they came. After New Year he became weaker and Sunday, Jan. 15, three days after becoming 78 years old, he gently fell asleep at 3:35 a.m. to spend rest of his Sunday with the Lord in glory.

He was a quiet man and, as a rule, rather willing to bear than answer back. In his last year, with God’s help, he became inwardly prepared to leave this world and go Home. When hope grew dim it was revived by Scripture and songs read or sung to him. He was a kind and loving father.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Hiebert Klassen, two sons, Albert and Herbert; four daughters, Margaret, Agnes, Edna, Esther and their families; 19 grandchildren and, two great grandchildren. Two grandchildren preceded him in death.

He also leaves five brothers: Peter J. and David J. of Hillsboro, Jacob J. of Moundridge, Henry J. of Halstead, and Bernard J. of Goessel; one brother-in-law, Henry J. Voth of Goessel, and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Frank Klassen of Topeka, and many other relatives and friends. One sister, two half-sisters and two half- brothers preceded him in death.

Blest is my lot, what e’er befall
What can disturb me, who appall
While, as my Strength, my Rock, my All,
Savior, I cling to Thee?

— The Klassen Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1950 Jan 31 p. 74