Klassen, Gerhard (1889-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Sep 14 p. 28

Birth date: 1889

text of obituary:

GERHARD KLASSEN

Gerhard Klassen of Virgil, Ont. passed away July 16, following a stroke in church July 15. He was born July 12, 1889 to John and Anna Klassen in Osterwick, Ukraine. In 1907 he moved to Rosengalt. In 1910 he was drafted into forestry service at Berdjansk. With the help of his father he saw his need for salvation and accepted the Lord. He joined the MB Church. In 1920 he married Helena Schellenberg. Later they moved to Kronsweide. In 1942 they settled in Rosenort, Molotschna. In 1943 they fled. He was drafted into the army, captured by the Russians and released after 3 months. He was miraculously reunited with his family in Westphalia, Germany. They immigrated to Canada in 1948, settling near Virgil and joining Virgil MB Church. He loved the Lord and his Word. Much of his life revolved around music; he played the guitar until age 97. He could recite many songs and scripture passages from memory. Predeceased by his wife in 1973, 2 children in infancy and his oldest son during World War II, he is survived by his children Mary Fast of Cleveland, OH, Neta Krause of Powassan, Ont., Helen Klassen and Agatha Loewen of Virgil, and John Klassen of Jordan, Ont., 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 18 in Virgil ME Church, with Walter Bergman and John Klassen ministering