Klassen, Henry J. (1870-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Aug 17 p. 6, 7

Birth date: 1870 Oct 27

text of obituary:

HENRY J. KLASSEN

Henry J. Klassen, son of John and Elizabeth (Ratzlaff) Klassen, was born in South Russia October 27, 1870. He departed this life on Saturday, July 29, a few minutes after 9:00 o'clock in the morning, having attained the age of 79 years, nine months and two days. Throughout the days of his life he was of a quiet disposition, content to live quietly and peacefully with his fellowmen.

He came to this country with his parents when he was only four years of age, and settled in the vicinity of Buhler, Kansas. While a young man, during the pioneer days here on the Kansas prairies, he was much needed on the farm and could attend school only during days when farm work was not too demanding. He attended the Vereins-Schule east of Buhler, which provided the only formal education he was privileged to receive.

On May 22, 1893, he was baptized upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and united with the Hoffnungsau church, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

He was united in marriage with Eva Adrian, daughter of Franz and Katharina (Janzen) Adrian, on June 15, 1906. With his faithful and loving wife he was privileged to live together for almost 24 years, when she was very suddenly called away in death on March 20, 1930. To this union were born four children, Katherine and John of the home in Buhler, Minnie, Mrs. Alvin Regehr, of near Inman, and Anna, who died in infancy.

Father was a farmer. When he and mother were first married they moved on to the farm four and one-half miles east of Buhler. Here they made their home, and here their children were born and reared. At this place also mother passed away so suddenly in 1930. In 1936 after the farm had been sold, we moved to Buhler, where he lived the remaining days of his life.

Father had delight in visiting with friends. Frequently he was seen in town with others, especially those of similar age, visiting and talking about the affairs of life. He took a great interest in his only grandchild. Geraldine Faye Regehr; he loved to hear her sing the songs she learned in Sunday School. Especially fond was he of her song “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know,” which she would have to sing for him frequently, and he would ask her to sing also the German song which she had learned: "Gott ist die Liebe.”

On Saturday morning, July 29, he had gone up town as he frequently did. He was seen talking and visiting with friends, and had remarked to some that he felt as good now as he had for a long time. He accompanied some others into the cafe, where he ordered a cup of coffee. Without warning to anyone, he suddenly fell over, and those nearest him felt for his pulse, but found it not, for his life had departed instantly.

He leaves to mourn his departure three children, Katherine and John of the home, and Minnie, Mrs. Alvin Regehr and her husband and their daughter Geraldine Faye of Inman; also one sister, Mrs. Mary Hiebert and her husband, of Medford, Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, Franz Gaeddert, Buhler, Kansas, and many relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, our mother: daughter Anna, who died in infancy; and three sisters: Mrs. Franz Gaeddert, Mrs. David Gaeddert, and Elizabeth, who died in Topeka while en route from Russia to America.

We will miss him greatly, but we know that he is at rest with his Lord, and now all sorrow, tears, and toil for him is ended.

— The Bereaved Children

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Aug 24 p. 4

text of obituary:

. . .

— Henry J. Klassen, 79, one of the early pioneers at Buhler, Kans. who came to this country in the 1875 migration from Russia died suddenly of a heart attack in a restaurant there on Aug. 5 [sic July 29]. Funeral services were held the following Tuesday at the Hoffnungsau church, where he was a member.