Klassen, John Harder (1892-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Aug 8 p. 7

Birth date: 1892 Jul 27

text of obituary:

Death Claims Retired Printer of Inman

Inman, Kan. — John H. Klassen, who operated a thriving printing and bookbinding business here for a number of years, died on his 71st birthday, July 27, at the Bethesda Hospital in Goessel.

Mr. Klassen printed a number of books in his well-equipped plant here. He retired from the active business about five years ago and most of the equipment was sold. However, he continued active in binding books and Bibles in his home.

Funeral services were held July 31 at the Zoar M. B. Church near here, with Rev. D. C. Pauls in charge.

Survivors include his widow, Agnes, two sons, two daughters, and six grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Sep 26 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOHN H. KLASSEN

The Lord of life and death called our father and husband, John Harder Klassen, to his heavenly home and eternal rest. He was born to Jacob and Elizabeth Harder Klassen on July 27, 1892 at Inman, Kan., and departed this life on July 27, 1963 in the Bethesda Hospital at Goessel, Kan. He attained the age of 73 years, being taken home to glory on this birthday.

In his early years he with his parents moved to Hooker, Okla. where he spent his youthful years, attending public school. Later he attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. He was united in marriage to Anna Franz on May 3, 1914, at Hooker. To this union two children, Daniel and Pauline, were born. On May 21, 1928, while the family was residing in Hillsboro, the Lord took his wife and mother from their side through death. On Jun 30, 1929, he was united in holy matrimony to Agnes Siebert at Inman, Kan. The Lord blessed this union with three children, Joseph, who died in infancy, J. Eido and Esther. Our companionship of 34 years was blessed with rich experiences of the grace of God.

Father accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior while a young man in Oklahoma. On April 7, 1907, he was baptized upon confession of his faith in Christ and received into the fellowship of the K. M. B. Church near Hooker, Okla. Later he transferred his membership to the Zoar church near Inman. He was a devoted and sincere Christian, remaining true in his fellowship and service to his Lord and the Church.

Father lived an interesting and active life. For several years he was employed in the printing of the “Wahrheitsfruend,” a periodical of the K. M. B. Church, in Chicago. Later he was engaged in the printing and editorial work of the Christian Witness and other periodicals at Inman. At intervals he also chose the occupation of farming and watch repairing as a means of livelihood and service to his fellowmen. In later years he became rather efficient as a book binder. This work he enjoyed immensely. He repaired and rebound many Bibles and other valuable books.

Father enjoyed fairly good health until the last few years. Several times his condition required surgery and since about Christmas time of this past year it was learned that he suffered from an incurable illness.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Agnes of the home; his children, Daniel in Iowa, Pauline, Mrs. Clarence Kliewer of Inman, J. Eldo and family of Inman, Esther, Mrs. Harold Klaassen and family of Seattle, Wash.; two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, six grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, his first wife Anna, one son, and one grandson. — The Sorrowing Family.