Klassen, Abram (1904-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Dec 24 p. 28

Birth date: 1904 Jul 25

text of obituary:

ABRAM KLASSEN

Abram Klassen was born on July 25, 1904, in Burwalde, Russia, the son of Abram and Anna (nee Harms) Klassen. A highlight of his life was his baptism as a teenager with several other members of his family, upon confession of their faith, by his father, who was a minister in the Mennonite Brethren church. On January 17, 1929 he married Anna Pauls. Although Abram and Anna were spared from being sent to Siberia during the Stalin purge, his immediate family all died there of starvation with the exception of one sister, Anna.

He assumed many duties in the community. Three children were born to the Klassens in Russia. The family joined the German retreat in 1943; as one of the few men who was not forced to serve in the army, Mr. Klassen was able to serve many other fleeing disrupted families. He was active in arranging the migration of many to South America, where he himself moved with his family in 1947. Much time and wisdom was required in his work with the settling of refugees-mostly women and children- in South America and the distribution of relief supplies.

In South America Mr. Klassen was ordained to the ministry, and he served the church faithfully. Under his leadership a church sanctuary was built. God led the Klassens to Canada in 1955, where they eventually settled in Vineland, Ontario. In answer to his prayers, all of his children accepted Christ and were baptized. In retirement he found a rewarding new area of service at the Home for the Aged in Vineland. At the end of his full life, Mr. Klassen could say, "I have done what I could!"

After some years of failing health, he collapsed on October 28. On November 8, early in the morning, he entered his eternal reward. A memorial services was held in the Vineland Church, with Isaac Block and Helmut Koop officiating.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Anna; four children, Abe and his wife Alvina in Saskatoon; Anna (Mrs. Erwin) Goossen in Vineland; Katie Klassen in Winnipeg; and Mary (Mrs. Vic) Klassen in Vineland; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many friends.