Klassen, Henry Theodore (1912-2003)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Aug 22 p. 26

Birth date: 1912 Jun 11

text of obituary:

HENRY THEODORE KLASSEN

Henry Theodore (H.T.) Klassen died July 9. He was born June 11, 1912 in Kronsgarten, Ukraine, to Theodore and Katharina Klassen. They immigrated to a homestead in Rabbit Lake, Sask. in 1923. He was led to the Lord by his Bible school teacher, J.J. Nickel, In 1934. He was ordained Jan. 8, 1938 in Rabbit Lake. He married Clara Epp Oct. 14, 1939. He served in church and farmed. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School one year and MB Bible College, Winnipeg, one year. He taught at Rosthern (Sask.) Bible School 1946 to 1957, and was principal the last 4 years. He pastored Hague church for 9 years; hosted the weekly radio program "Wings of the Morning"; toured the churches with a school singing group. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1957. He studied at CMBC and pastored Sterling Ave. Mennonite Church part-time. After completing his studies he became full-time pastor at Sterling Ave. Mennonite Church. He served on the Board of Education until 1962. He was chaplain in 18 hospitals and institutions until his retirement to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1977. He was interim pastor in Yarrow Mennonite Church; served in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico; was associate pastor at Olivet Church, Abbotsford, B.C. and spoke in various churches. He was a faithful prayer warrior. His motto was "Looking unto Jesus". Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Clara; daughters Margaret Schapansky, Port Coquitlam, B.C.; Elsie, Denver, Col.; Kathy Stauffer, Abbotsford; son John, Denver, Col.; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 12 in Olivet Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, with Jim Ratzlaff and Henry Claassen ministering.