Klassen, Lena Krause (1892-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Aug 14 p. 5

Birth date: 1892

text of obituary:

. . .

— Final services were held at the Moody’s Funeral Chapel here and the Zion Mennonite church at Elbing last Friday afternoon for Mrs. Jacob H. Klassen, 54, who passed away at the Bethel Deaconess hospital on Aug. 5 after being a patient there for over a month. The family has resided on a farm near Elbing for some years. Survivors include her husband and four children, Oswald of Peabody, J. Hershel of Florence, Oliver and Luella Klassen of Newton; her aged mother, Mrs. P. J. Krause of 206 Southwest Fifth; and five sisters, Mrs. P. H. Klassen, Mrs. H. A. Ewert, and Mrs. F. H. Klassen of Newton, Mrs. C. C. Friesen of Hillsboro, and Mrs. L. R. McComb of Topeka.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Aug 21 p. 3

text of obituary:

MRS. LENA KRAUSE KLASSEN

Lena Krause, daughter of Rev. P. J. and Susan (Reimer) Krause, was born at Lehigh, Kansas, September 21, 1892. Her childhood and youth were spent in Lehigh. She received her education in the schools there.

In the year 1909 she consecrated her life to God and on Sept. 10, 1909, was baptized upon the confession of her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, by the Rev. H. D. Penner. The verse given her as a guide through life on her baptismal day was Isa. 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Many a time this verse has given her strength and joy on her way through life.

On July 18, 1915, she was united in marriage to Jacob H. Klassen, her father officiating. To this union four children were born — three sons and a daughter. These children, who are now the comfort of their sorrowing father, were the source of much joy in her life. She, together with her husband, brought their children to a saving knowledge of Christ at an early age, and she carried them on hands of prayer to her end. Only Eternity will know the number of prayers she sent to the Throne of Grace for her whole family.

They celebrated their thirty-second anniversary while she was in the hospital, and she received many flowers and congratulations form friends. These were highly appreciated. She retained her membership in the Lehigh Mennonite church until they made their home near Elbing, Kansas, when she transferred it to the Zion Mennonite church, of which she remained a faithful member until her death.

It was the determination of her heart to let her light shine for her Creator. She loved the hymns of the Church, the Lord having given her the gift of happy song with which she has often cheered and comforted those around her. Her home was a happy home, of much song and music. In her church and community she was a cheerful helper, being active in various organizations.

For several years she served as chairman of the sewing society, on committees for relief, and teaching S. S. classes of every age though the years holding the love and esteem of all.

She entered the Bethel Deaconess hospital first on April 23, but with all the best care of doctors and nurses her case became very grave and serious. On June 16 she again entered the hospital, from which she never returned to her earthly home.

In all her suffering she bore up courageously and bravely, being firmly anchored in her Lord whom she loved and trusted completely. She said from the beginning, "the Lord's will be done" — and bowed gladly to follow His bidding. Never once did she murmur or complain, but only praised the Lord and expressed her ardent longing to see Him face to face, whom she loved and who had redeemed her soul.

Often when the test was very hard, she would repeat over and over — "When will He come? When will He come?" Then when she was reminded that our days are in His hand, and that He would come when His work for her was finished, she would say with a smile, "Yes, I know, but I just get a little impatient at times."

She asked for verses of her favorite hymns and repeated them with us. till she could not speak the words; such hymns as "Ach mein Herr Jesus, Wenn ich Dich nicht hatte," "Endlich kommt Er leise," "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness;" " Blessed Assurance," "Redeemed, Redeemed By His Side I shall Stand," and others.

On the evening of Aug. 5, her longing and prayer was gratified and answered as she followed the Lord's call at 11:15 and entered the Supreme Presence, where she now beholds that wonderful bliss and joy, Jesus Himself. She reached the age of 54 years, 10 months, and 14 days.

She leaves to mourn her early departure, her loving husband and children: Oswald of Peabody, J. Herschel of Florence, Oliver and Luella of the home; two daughters-in-law: Hilda, Mrs. Oswald Klassen and Mildred, Mrs. J. Herschel Klassen; three grandchildren, Esther Marie, Janice Irene and Delores Ruth; her aged mother, Mrs. Krause; five sisters, Mrs. P. H. Klassen, Mrs. H. A. Ewert, Mrs. F. H. Klassen, Mrs. C.C. Friesen, Mrs. L. R. McComb, and their husbands; one sister-in-law, Mrs. P. R. Krause; nephews and nieces and many relatives and friends. Her father and two brother preceded her in death.