Klassen, Abram P. (1891-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 May 26 p. 3

Birth date: 1891 May 3

text of obituary:

ABRAM P. KLASSEN

Abram P. Klassen was born to Peter G. and Helena Nickel Klassen on the 3rd day of May, 1891, on the parental farm south of Mountain Lake, Minn., where he spent his boyhood days and the first five years of his married life.

In his eighteenth year he became deeply conscious of his need of a Saviour, and found peace and forgiveness of sin through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was baptized and received into the fellowship of the E. M. B. church May 16, 1910, by Rev. Henry I. Dick, and remained a faithful member to the end.

On June 24, 1913, he was united in the bond of Holy matrimony to Elizabeth Janzen, with whom he was privileged to share joy and sorrow for nearly 36 years. Six boys were born to this union.

Several characteristics in his life will linger in our minds. He loved to work and was a hard worker. At heart he felt it was wrong for him to be idle and if there was not any particular work at hand, he would look for some. On the other hand he was a quiet husband and father.

He was always friendly and hospitable. It was very common for him to ask a caller into the home to have a cup of coffee. He endeavored also to carry on business relationships in a peaceful manner. We shall not forget the quiet spirit of prayer which he manifested in the home. More recently he prayed much for his family, the church, friends, and unsaved ones.

His life has also been accompanied with adversities. Ten years ago he was seriously ill with a kidney ailment. Two years later he had the misfortune of breaking his leg. On September 20, 1944, he was stricken with a heart ailment. A second heart attack came on December 25, 1945.

Mr. Klassen was engaged in farming, but due to his health it was thought best to give up the farm, and in September 1947 moved to the residence in Mountain Lake. He felt at home here and mentioned at various times that he should like to spend at least several years in this new home.

His heart condition was not improving any in spite of continued medical attention. Relief was sought with heart specialists and on April 14 he was admitted to the Bethel hospital, where he remained until his death. On May 1, at 2:20 a. m. his soul took flight and went to be with Jesus his Saviour, whom he loved and adored.

During the last few days of his life he found comfort and fortitude in prayer, and strength in the promises of God's word. Several times he joined in the singing at his favorite hymns.

Separation is painful yet we rejoice because for him all tears and sufferings have ended. We are not comfortless nor sorrowful as those who have no hope, for we know that we shall be reunited with him in the presence of the Saviour. He re the presence of the Saviour. [sic fragments repeated in original] He reached the age of 58 years, less two days.

One daughter-in-law and an infant son, Albert preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, five sons, Frank, Louis, Harold, Donald, and Loyal; four daughters-in-law and three grandchildren; five brothers, Theodore, Peter, George (his twin brother), Jacob, and Aron; three sisters, Mrs. David G. Fast, Mrs. Henry G. Fast, Dallas, Ore., and Mrs. Jacob A. Stoesz; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday at 1:30 at the home and 2:08 o'clock at the E. M. B. church with Rev. Wm. Loewen officiating. Burial was made in the church cemetery.