Klassen, Elizabeth (Julius) Grunau (1903-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Apr 06 p. 30

Birth date: 1903 Sep 28

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH (JULIUS) KLASSEN

Elizabeth Klassen (nee Grunau) was born in Burwalde, S. Russia in 1904. Here she spent her childhood and youth. She had the sad experience of losing her father and brother the same time as the result of a typhoid epidemic.

She was married in 1924 to Julius Klassen, and their union was blessed with 10 children. One son predeceased her in infancy. They shared joys and sorrow for 48 years.

In 1926 they moved to Canada and settled in a village south of Winkler, where Mr, Klassen served as landlord for 13 years. Bible studies were conducted in various homes, but Mrs, Klassen was not able to attend. However she had a good knowledge of the Bible and the way of salvation, Realizing her need for a personal Saviour, she accepted Christ one day when the contents of a song she was singing overwhelmed her. Together with her husband she joined the Winkler MB Church.

In 1966 they retired to Winkler where her husband died in 1972, She learned to accept the hand of God even in suffering, and the last months of her life were spent in hospitals, where the hospital staff was amazed that she was able to accept and endure her suffering so quietly. The Lord is merciful and gracious.

The funeral was held in the Winkler MB Church on March 8, with Rev. Henry Klassen of Vancouver officiating. She is survived by 5 sons: George, Abe, Henry, Cornie, and John; 4 daughters: Betty, Nettie, Helen, and Marlene; with their families (36 grandchildren); 1 sister and 2 brothers.