Klassen, Johann (1909-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Oct 20 p. 32

Birth date: 1909 May 18

text of obituary:

JOHANN KLASSEN

Johann Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 27. He was born May 18, 1909 in Siberia. He received his formal education from his father. He married Liese Kasper Sept. 23, 1929. The next day they immigrated to Paraguay, where they had many difficult years. During their first year here, he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church. He was active in the local MB church. They farmed and were involved in ministry to the Natives of the Chaco. He helped build the Filadelfia Hospital, the co·op store, an industrial complex, a high school and many other buildings. In 1967 they moved to St. Catharines, Ont., where they joined Scott St. MB Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir. In 1971 they moved to Vancouver. He worked in a cabinet factory. They joined Culloden MB Church. In 1975 they retired to Clearbrook, B.C. They joined King Road MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Liese Apr. 16, 1986, sons Peter in 1984 and Heinrich in 1994 and 2 children in infancy, he is mourned by children Hans of Abbotsford, Frank of Paraguay, Abram of 100 Mile House, B.C., Hilda Fischer of 108 Mile House, B.C. and Elizabeth Adam of Vancouver; 24 grandchildren; 27 great·grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Aug. 30 at King Road MB Church, with Peter C. Penner and Alvin Enns ministering.