Klassen, Jacob (1919-1989)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Jan 26 p. 30

Birth date: 1919

text of obituary:

JACOB KLASSEN

Jacob Klassen of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Nov. 23. He was born Apr. 9, 1919 to John J. and Katharina Klassen in Gussarovka, Russia. His mother died of typhus nine months later. The next year his father married Katharina's half-sister, Maria Holzrichter. In 1929 they left Russia for Germany and in February 1930 arrived in Manitou, Man. In 1931] they moved to Morden, Man., where he attended school, finishing with grade 10. In 1937 they moved to Winnipeg. He served as a conscientious objector during World War II. On Nov. 8, 1942 he married Anna Penner. In 1946 they moved to Arnold, B.C., where they operated a dairy and berry farm. To supplement their income, he drove to Vancouver and did construction and concrete work. On June 12, 1949 he rededicated his life to the Lord. He was baptized and joined Arnold MB Church. In 1970 they moved to Clearbrook, joining Clearbrook MB Church in May, 1971. He was self employed with concrete finishing until illness overtook him in August, 1989. One of his last projects was the sidewalks at MCC Plaza in Clearbrook, which he did free of charge. He is remembered as a tireless worker who enjoyed helping others. In his church, he served as chairman of the trustees for a number of years; he also served on the catering committee and gave generously to the church and missions. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by his wife; son Jacob; daughter Anna Wall; 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 30 in Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen and John C. Dyck ministering.