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Kleinsasser, John A. (1874-1968)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 May 23 p. 11
Birth date: 1874 Nov 2
text of obituary:
JOHN A. KLEINSASSER
John A. Kleinsasser was born Nov. 2, 1874 to Andrew and Anna Waldner Kleinsasser in Johannesruh, South Russia. He lost both parents at an early age and grew up in the home of his grandfather and later his uncle, Rev. John Z. Kleinsasser. They came to America in July 1877 and settled north of Yankton, S. D.
On Dec. 10, 1899 he was married to Katherine Glanzer. This union lasted nearly 61 years. From 1902 to 1910 they lived on a farm north of Huron, S. D. Then they moved to California where he held found and build the Zion K. M. B. church near Dinuba.
They returned to South Dakota in 1913 and lived on a farm north of Huron for 21 years. During the depression they moved back to California and stayed 12 years. In 1947 they retired and made their home in Yale, S. D.
In 1949 they had the joy of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with all children and grandchildren present. In 1959 the 60th anniversary was observed with praise to God. For almost 60 years there was no death in the immediate family.
After his wife’s death in 1960 he lived alone for three years and then lived with his children, Edwin Wollmans, H. R. Wiens’, and F. B. Klaassens.
He accepted the Lord as Savior and was baptized and joined the Salem K. M. B. church at Bridgewater, S. D. in 1901. He was active as Sunday school teacher, superintendent, and deacon. He helped found and build Bethel church at Yale, S. D. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord and was much concerned about the spiritual welfare of his large family. He enjoyed good health until the last year of his life.
He was taken to Salem Hospital in Hillsboro, Kan. on Dec. 23, 1967 where he went to be with the Lord on April 6, 1968 at the age of 93 years, five months and four days. He leaves to mourn his death 12 children, five sons and seven daughters, 33 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. His wife and one granddaughter preceded him in death.