Klassen, Heinrich Gerhard (1891-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Nov 25 p. 31

Birth date: 1891 June 09

text of obituary:

REV. HEINRICH GERHARD KLASSEN

Heinrich Gerhard Klassen of Drumheller, Alta., was born on June 9, 1891 in Rosenthal, south Russia. The Lord called him home on September 20. Rev. Klassen accepted the Lord at the age of 17 years. On May 24, 1918 he married Katherine Neufeld, with whom he shared joys and sorrows for 59 years. Although the first years after their emigration to Canada were extremely difficult, his faith in the Lord remained firm. Of special blessing to the entire family was his ordination to the ministry. He served the Lord with sincere dedication, especially in the years when "Bibel-besprechungen" were held.

The Klassens retired from farming in 1963 and moved to Drumheller. Rev. Klassen's health began to fail, and during the last year he was often hospitalized, followed by short periods at home. On September 11 an emergency operation was performed, but the Lord saw fit to relieve him of his suffering nine days later. The family will miss him and his intercession for each member, down to the great-grandchildren, but they know he is with the Lord and they will meet once again.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine; one son and five daughters and their spouses; 21 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; three brothers; and many friends.