Klassen, Jacob J. (1912-1979)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1979 Nov 23 p. 30

Birth date: 1912 Oct 29

text of obituary:

JACOB J. KLASSEN

Jacob Klassen of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away on October 31. He was born on October 29, 1912 to Jacob J. and Katharina (Hooge) Klassen in Friedensruh, Molotschna, Russia. Emigrated to Canada in 1926: after one year in Dalmeny, Sask., moved to Watrous, Sask.; in 1932 attended Bible school in Dalmeny and during winters till 1936; decided to follow Jesus in his first month at Bible school, through Abram Unruh Jr.; the follow ing year was baptized and accepted into the Watrous MB Church; attended Winkler Bible school in 1938; married Helen Toews on September 13, 1941, and they began farming; moved to East Chilliwack, B.C. and started farming, then he took over management of East Chilliwack Co-op, Abbotsford Growers and finally Clearbrook Credit Union. In addition to serving the local church in many ways, he served on the management boards of the provincial, Canadian and General MB Conferences. He is survived by his wife Helen; four daughters: Dora (Mrs. Henry Rempel), Kathryn (Mrs. Kenneth Neufeld), Lillian (Mrs. Garry Peters) and Linda Joy (Mrs. Harv Thiessen); eight grandchildren, four sisters and one brother. The funeral was held November 2 in the Bakerview MB Church.