Klassen, Julius Gerhard (1899-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Apr 07 p. 31

Birth date: 1899 Jun 19

text of obituary:

JULIUS GERHARD KLASSEN

Julius G. Klassen of Winkler passed into the presence of the Lord on February 26 after a severe illness. The funeral was held in the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church on March 1 with his brother Rev. Henry Classen of Vancouver officiating. Julius Klassen was born June 19, 1899 to Gerhard and Aganetha Klassen of the Island of Chortitza in southern Russia. He lost both of his parents during his youth. A brother also predeceased him during this time.

He was married to Liese Grunau on February 21, 1924 and two years later they came to Canada, arriving at Neuenberg, near Winkler in 1926. Later they settled on to their own farm near Gnadenthal. They retired to Winkler in 1966. During his early years in Canada he worked alone on the land much of the time. This gave him the time and opportunity for meditation and this is where he met his God. Out on the field one day, he stopped his team of horses, knelt on the ground, and confessing his sins to God received assurance of salvation. Upon his confession of faith he was baptized and received into the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church. He was always committed to his work and demonstrated great concern for his family and his service for his Lord and Master.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Liese; five sons, George of Winkler, Abe of Vancouver, Henry of Simcoe, Ont., Cornie of Plum Coulee, Man., and John of Virgil, Ont.; four daughters; Betty (Mrs. Charlie) Martens, Winnipeg; Nettie (Mrs. Abe) Funk, Winnipeg; Helen (Mrs. John) Reimer, Port Rowan; and Marlene (Mrs. Harry) Martens, Lena, Man.; 35 grandchildren. two brothers and four sisters.