Klassen, Isaak D. (1868-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 May 28 p. 8

Birth date: 1868 Feb 29

text of obituary:

ISAAK D. KLASSEN

Isaak D. Klassen of Reedley, Calif., son of Jacob and Margaret Driedger Klassen, was born Feb. 29, 1868, in Russia. He passed away to be with his Lord April 29, 1959 at the Moehler Rest home, having reached the age of 91 years.

He came to this country with his parents who settled in the Inman-Buhler, Kansas area. He received very little formal education, although he always displayed great understanding in machinery and modern inventions. He accepted Jesus Christ as Savior when he was 16 years old, was baptized upon his confession of faith and became a member of the Hebron Mennonite Church near Buhler, Kansas. On Nov. 12, 1889, he entered holy wedlock with Elizabeth Fehderau at Buhler, Kansas. Rev. Bernhard Buhler officiated at both of these sacred events.

During their early married life he operated a bicycle and photography shop at Inman and also had the Ford Agency at Newton, Kansas for a number of year [sic]. He was very active and always found things to do. He had a creative mind.

In 1913 they came to California and settled near Reedley, where he became a successful rancher. Here they joined the First Mennonite Church. Mrs. Klassen passed away Jan. 25, 1928. There were no children in the family.

His last years were not happy years. It was not advisable for him to stay alone, so arrangements were made for him to stay in various rest homes. He often felt that he had not lived as full a life as he would have liked, but he trusted in the grace and goodness of God through Jesus Christ.

Six sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Elizabeth, Mrs. H. D. Willems of Inman, Kansas; four in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Klassen of Hillsboro, Kansas, Mrs. Peter Martens of Newton, Kansas, Mrs. George Klassen of Medford, Okla.; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley on Monday, May 4, 1959. Rev. Aaron J. Epp and Rev. John H. Richert officiated. Burial services were held at the Reedley cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 May 19 p. 319