Klassen, Lillian Bertha Dyck (1934-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Aug 7 p. 6

Birth date: 1934 Sep 29

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1975 Aug 22 p. 31

text of obituary:

LILLIAN KLASSEN

Lillian Bertha Klassen was the youngest of a family of eight, born on September 29, 1934. Before school age she already had memorized portions of Scripture and accepted Jesus at six years of age. At an early age she followed the Lord in baptism performed by Rev. H. S. Voth and joined the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church.

She received her elementary and high school education in Winkler and they also attended the Winkler Bible InstituTe for several years.

Lillian met Peter Klassen in Bible School and they were married July 5, 1957. Her tender, sweet ways and sensitivity as a child carried over into her family life. Their children all learned to know Christ through the teachings and examples of their parents.

Lillian leaves her parents Jacob P. and Bertha Dyck of Winkler, three brothers and four sisters. They are Peter and Mary Dyck, Winkler; Bill and Anne Dyck, Chetwynd, B.C.; Jake and Tina Dyck, Winnipeg; Toby and Lena Voth, Winnipeg; Annie, Colombia, South America; Evelyn, Winnipeg and Ella of Winkler. There are also a host of relatives and friends.

The Peter Klassen Family: The triumphant notes of "The King is Coming," sung by a large choir made up of people from Richmond, B.C., and Boissevain, Man., filled the auditorium to set the tone for the funeral services for the Peter Klassen family, victims of B.C.'s worst traffic accident.

Over 600 friends and relatives crowded the auditorium of the Richmond Bethel Mennonite Brethren Church on July 21, to pay tribute to the Klassen family. Among them were officials of the Richmond municipal council and school board. Mayor Blair, in a letter to the relatives, expressed condolences from the council and stated that this tragedy was a loss for the entire community.

The Klassen family had moved to Richmond, B.C., two years ago to enable Peter to pursue studies in preparation for full time ministry.

The Klassens were beloved by all in the congregation and active in every aspect of church life. Peter was chairman of the Board of Worship, and also a charter member of the Gideons. Lillian sang in the Ladies Chorus. Both taught Sunday school. On August 17, Peter and Lillian were to be ordained to the diaconate ministry.

Music was a very vital part of the family. The song, "The King is Coming," was a favorite of Peter and of Lillian, an especially gifted pianist. A favorite of Lillian's, "Because He Lives," was sung by the Ladies Chorus at the close of the funeral service.

Pastor Herbert Brandt and Rev. Art Martens, both of Richmond Bethel, officiated at the funeral service.