Klassen, John Cornelius (1890-1969)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1969 Apr 18 p. 29

Birth date: 1890 Mar 09

text of obituary:

JOHN CORNELIUS KLASSEN

John Cornelius Klassen was born on March 9, 1890 to Cornelius and Katharina Klassen at Alexanderwohl, Russia. While he was still quite young the family moved to Kamenetz, Neu-Samara, where they lived until they moved to Canada in 1926, In the year 1905 he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour, was baptized and received as member into the Mennonite Brethren Church.

On May 27, 1919 he was married to Elizabeth Martens, with whom he shared joys and sorrows of life until 1945 when she was taken from his side. God blessed them with three daughters and five sons. When the family came to Canada they settled first on a farm at Crowfoot, moving 11 years later to Tofield, Alberta, It was here that his wife died and he was left a widower with eight children. God gave him another life partner in Elisabeth Dyck, and for almost 23 years they shared the joys and sorrows of life,

In 1947 the family moved to Matsqui, B.C. taking up dairy farming. Ten years later the parents retired to Clearbrook, B.C, Mr. Klassen was hospitalized on February 2, and after an illness of five weeks God released him from his suffering and called him home. He reached the age of 79 years and one day. He loved the Lord and was always active in the work of Christ and his Church. Deeply concerned about the spiritual welfare of his children, he was able to see all his sons and daughters come to love and serve the Lord. His example in the home and church will long be lovingly remembered. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elisabeth Klassen; Katherine (Mrs. A. Martens), Clearbrook; John, Black Creek, B,C.; Abe, Fresno, Calif.; Cornelius, Matsqui, B.C.; Peter, Fresno, Calif,; Louise (Mrs. R. Willms), Winnipeg, Man.; William, New Westminster, B.C.; Ann (Mrs. R. Nickel), Clearbrook, B.C.; their families; a brother, Abram, in Russia; and two sisters, Helen and Maria (Mrs. G. Thielmann), both of St. Catharines, Ont.

The funeral service on March 15 in the Clearbrook (B.C.) Church was conducted by Rev. Herman Lenzmann, assisted by Rev. J. Unger.