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WILLIAM CORNELIUS KLASSEN
Born: Mar 07, 1929
Date of Passing: Mar 13, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM CORNELIUS KLASSEN
William (Bill) Klassen, son of Cornelius and Margaret, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 97. His wife Sue held him in her arms and his extended family gathered together with him to celebrate his lifetime of love, kindness, and integrity.
Bill was born in Coulter, Manitoba on March 7, 1929. He grew up in a farming family near Boissevain. As one of the younger members of his family, he felt fortunate to come out of the Great Depression and wartime with the opportunity to continue his education. He met Sue, the love of his life, at Bible school in Winkler. They moved to Winnipeg, where Bill got a teaching degree at United College. Together he and Sue built a life that has touched and enriched so many people.
Bill and Sue had four children in four years. Over the years this has lovingly become an extended family of 37: daughter Lynn, granddaughter Erin, her partner Peter, great-grandchildren Harvey, Tessa, and Marcus; daughter Donna, her partner Bob, grand-daughter Heather, her partner Nate, great-grandchildren Alex and Jane; grandson Stuart, his partner Haylie, great-grandchildren Charlie, Lucy, and Oscar; granddaughter Meredith, her partner Andres, great-grandchildren Ezra and Lucas; daughter Brenda (deceased in 2013), granddaughter Jessica, her partner Billy, great-grandchildren Will, Juniper, and Evie; granddaughter Margaret, her partner Justin; son Dale, partner Rhian, granddaughter Noni, her partner Patrick, great-grandchildren Walter and Lyle; and grandson Iain.
A dedicated English teacher, he taught at River East Collegiate for most of his career. Our memories are of Dad sitting at home with his typewriter, preparing lessons or marking essays at the dining room table. We still now run into former students from his 30-plus years of teaching who say Dad was the best ever. He would have had well over one thousand students.
Bill and Sue were members of Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church for many years, and later in life became a part of the Eastview Community Church. While with Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church, they developed many close personal spiritual friendships. They felt strongly about helping anyone in the community who was in need. They rallied around helping a new immigrant family get sponsorship to settle in Canada, and Mom and Dad spent countless hours visiting them, bringing them household items, and contributing financially to their initial settlement.
The family would like to thank everyone at Bergen Gardens for the love and care they gave to Dad over the past three years. From the nursing staff to health care aids to cleaners and kitchen and front desk, everyone always seemed to know Mom and Dad warmly and personally, and we thank you so much. Mom will continue to live at Bergen Gardens and be wonderfully cared for.
A small family gathering will be held in April. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastview Community Church.
This was one of Bill’s favourite Bible teachings:
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2026
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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My condolences to all families of his and his beloved wife Sue. My earliest memory of uncle Villy I called him when I was around two and a half . My parents were moving to British Columbia. He was driving our family car , I was his passenger often standing beside him with my arm around his neck. I was at uncle Bill and aunty Sue’s wedding. Our family visited as often as we could . Always blessed . Uncle Bill will be Missed I believe his life was obedient to His Heavenly Father . - Posted by: Don Klassen (Nephew most senior.) on: Mar 23, 2026
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Bill and Sue Klassen are the epitomy of "Good folks"....my heartgoes out to their entire clan. They were so proud eachand every one of them...💓 RIP Bill. Pat Titarniuk & Nick Albo - Posted by: Patricia Titarniuk (Neighbour/student) on: Mar 23, 2026
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I recognized the picture right away. I do remember Mr. Klassen was a very kind gentleman in the full sense of the word. He was an excellent teacher and role model. I can’t recall which grade it was but I graduated from River East in 1972. Lovely man! - Posted by: Helmut Unruh (Student) on: Mar 23, 2026
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Our condolences to Sue and the Klassen family, We were blessed to have Bill & Sue for neighbours for a number of years, and they truly helped to create a caring neighborhood. Bill made it his mission to bring us all together, and with Sue’s warmth and support they did just that. From writing monthly newsletters to planning block parties to encouraging the planting of rose bushes to babysitting our small children, Bill & Sue were the most gracious and kind neighbours and friends. We so appreciated his efforts and enthusiasm in building a better world, and we share in your sadness of his loss. - Posted by: Laurie Gingera and Gerry Hector (Former neighbour) on: Mar 23, 2026
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Mr Klassen was my home room teacher grade 9 at Morse Place Jr High I think that was 1962 He also taught 2 of children at River East My son told that his mom said he was the teacher she ever had. That was the truth He was not only the best teacher he was without a doubt the best and greatest person I ever met. I lost my husband in 1989. He called me saying he had said to his wife That’s my Jill. Yes he was the best! I am so sorry for your loss but so happy for all of you for having him for so many years God Bless all of you - Posted by: Jill Dowson nee Whittaker (Student) on: Mar 21, 2026
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I had Mr Klassen way back in 1980-81. At the time, I didn’t realize he was anything other than a teacher, just like all the rest. But, as an adult looking back, I now appreciate him in a different way. Walking thru Stratford upon Avon, UK, the home of Shakespeare, I found myself reciting Shakespeare’s quotes, and saying “Mr K would be proud of me.” When I read posts written on Facebook by people who struggle to put several words together in a cohesive form to create a sentence, I say “They obviously didn’t have Mr K for English.” I appreciate him. I am saddened to read of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Theresa R (Former student) on: Mar 21, 2026
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I had Mr Klassen way back in 1980-81. At the time, I didn’t realize he was anything other than a teacher, just like all the rest. But, as an adult looking back, I now appreciate him in a different way. Walking thru Stratford upon Avon, UK, the home of Shakespeare, I found myself reciting Shakespeare’s quotes, and saying “Mr K would be proud of me.” When I read posts written on Facebook by people who struggle to put several words together in a cohesive form to create a sentence, I say “They obviously didn’t have Mr K for English.” I appreciate him. I am saddened to read of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Theresa R (Former student) on: Mar 21, 2026
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Mr. Klassen was one of the best teachers I had at River East Collegiate. He was always interested in what was going on in my life and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I was fortunate to see him several times later in life and share where my life had taken me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and friendship with me, Mr. Klassen. - Posted by: Elizabeth Kozuska (Former Student) on: Mar 21, 2026
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Best teacher I ever had. Grad 87. - Posted by: Kathy Finlayson (Former student) on: Mar 21, 2026