Klassen, Dietrich (1867-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Jan 31 p. 3

Birth date: 1867 May 16

text of obituary:

Pioneer Farmer Died At Gretna, Manitoba

DIETRICH KLASSEN, 84, WAS ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Gretna, Man. — Dietrich Klassen, 84, retired pioneer farmer of this district, died at his farm home here Sunday, January 6, at 5:50 p.m. He was taken ill last October, entered the Altona hospital on December 21, but rallied sufficiently in a week’s time to return to his home.

Born in South Russia on May 16, 1867, he came to Canada with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Klassen, in 1878 and settled in the village of Neuanlage, a mile northeast of town. Apart from residing in California for three years, he farmed in this district until his retirement a few years ago.

Director of M.C.I.

He took an active part in community affairs, serving as a director of the Mennonite Collegiate Institute for several terms and also of the Farmers’ United Grain Elevator built here in 1898.

As a young man he joined the Bergthaler church and in 1901 he married Miss Katherine Wieler of Elbing, Kansas. On November 28, 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Klassen observed their golden wedding anniversary, together with their children and friends, in the M.C.I. chapel.

Funeral services were conducted from the M.C.I. chapel on Thursday. January 10, with Rev. J. W. Schimdt [sic], presiding. Rev. D. D. Klassen, Homewood, assisted by Rev. Benj. Ewert, Winnipeg, Rev. P. Schaeffer, Grenta [sic], and Rev. J. W. Schmidt, Altona, officiated.

Surviving are Mrs. Klassen; three sons, John, Paul and Benno, Gretna; and four daughters, Annie and Gertrude, Gretna; Emily, Mrs. Paul Scholer, Toronto, and Charlotte, Winnipeg. There are six grandchildren.