ALFRED (AL) KLASSEN

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ALFRED (AL) KLASSEN 1926 2007 Peacefully, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Alfred (Al) Klassen died April 19, 2007 at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg. Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mary; three sons, David, Mark (Souphaphone), Paul (Nyoman); and two special grandchildren, Arun and Sara. He is survived by five sisters, Erika Epp, Elfrieda Harder, Louise Klassen, Irene Kroeger, and Kay Klassen and one sister-in-law Nettie Winter and her husband Frank. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Corny Epp and Henry Harder. Al was born November 18, 1926 on the Sheldon Farm, six miles west of Hanley, SK. His parents were Isaak and Elizabeth (Wiens) Klassen. He had a happy childhood with many relatives and friends who farmed in the same area. He graduated high school in 1945 from Rosthern Junior College, after which he helped on the family farm. In 1949 he took a business course at Success College and in 1950 started employment with CN Telegraphs in Saskatoon. He then transferred to Winnipeg and worked for CN/CP Telecommunications. In 1958, he married Mary Dyck. After a 35-year career and raising a family with three boys, he retired from CN/CP in 1985. Together with family, he enjoyed retirement at the cottage in Malachi, ON and some travelling. Other special times were working as volunteers with his wife Mary rebuilding after Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew in South Carolina and Homestead, FL. Al was a committed volunteer wherever needed. He was a pillar of strength and will be remembered for his indomitable spirit. Interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 23, 2007, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Grace Hospital Oncology, the care from nurses at home, and Palliative Care at St. Boniface General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9. Arrangements entrusted to: BARRINGER Funeral Services 952-7741

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2007