Klassen, Herman (1920-2007)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2007 Mar p. 29

Birth date: 1920 Mar 17

text of obituary:

HERMAN KLASSEN

Herman Klassen died Jan. 6. He was born Mar. 17, 1920 in Gnadenheim, Siberia to Herman and Helena Klassen. The challenges of war, revolution, and illness encouraged the family to seek a way out of Siberia. After selling everything they had, they arrived in Canada in 1927 and settled on a farm in Clair, Sask. At 12, Herman quit school to help support the family after his father lost both legs in a train accident. At 14, Herman made his peace with God and trusted Christ as Saviour. He was baptized and attended a small Baptist fellowship in Quill Lake, Sask. In 1942, Herman's family moved to Aldergrove, B.C. where they, along with other pioneer families, became members of East Aldergrove MB Church (now Ross Road Community Church). Herman married Helen Neufeld Nov. 18, 1945. They raised 6 children in the Mt. Lehman area, where a humble dairy operation provided for their material needs. Even after Helen's death in Jan. 2000, Herman managed to remain living in the country for the rest of his life. His faith always remained intact.