Klassen, George S. (1893-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Apr 14 p. 1

Birth date: 1893 Mar 1

text of obituary:

Well-Known Dentist Called By Death

DR. G. S. KLASSEN OF HILLSBORO SERVED ONE YEAR IN PARAGUAY

Hillsboro, Kan. — Dr. George S. Klassen, well-known Hillsboro dentist, passed away here Monday, April 11, after a brief illness. Funeral services have been announced for Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Hillsboro M. B. church.

Dr. Klassen had engaged in the practice of dentistry here since 1924. In September 1943 he with Mrs. Klassen went to Paraguay under the Mennonite Central Committee where he ministered to the long-neglected dental needs of the Fernheim and Mennno colonists in the Chaco region. Remaining there for over a year, he pulled over 4,000 teeth and also established a much appreciated dental service by by training two apprentices to fill teeth and make plates.

A native of Hillsboro, where he was born March 1, 1893, Dr. Klassen attended Tabor College and Western Dental College. After World War II he engaged in reconstruction work in France under the American Friends Service Committee.

Dr. Klassen, the first dentist in the Mennonite Brethren Conference, was active in civic and community life. He was interested in aviation and for a number of years flew his own plane.