Klassen, John P. (1891-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 May 04 p. 31

Birth date: 1891 May 17

text of obituary:

JOHN P. KLASSEN

John P. Klassen was born in Sagradowka, South-Russia in 1891. While still in his youth he realized his need of a Saviour and in July of 1905 he was baptized upon confession of his faith and accepted as member of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

In 1918 he was united in marriage with Anna Wiens. In the 1920's the Klassens came to Canada where they first lived in the Kitchener-Hespeler area and then settled in Leamington. On October 25, 1931 their only daughter, Ella, was born. Sorrow entered the home when in 1945 the Lord called Sister Klassen home, leaving father and daughter alone.

With the marriage of Ella to Murray Lister, he was left to live alone, though often able to visit his children and grandchildren. When Ella died of cancer on December 11, 1971, the burden of grief weighed heavily on him. Br. Klassen passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April the tenth in his apartment on Lutsch Avenue. His son-in-law Murray Lister, two grandsons, Bradley and Brent, and relatives and friends mourn his passing.