JOHN KLASSEN

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JOHN KLASSEN Peacefully and surrounded by his family, our dearly beloved husband, father and Opa passed away on July 15, 2007. Honouring his memory he leaves his loving wife of 52 years Elsie (nee Martens); three children and their families: Richard, his wife Charlene, their children, Chelsea, Christina, John and Paul; Marla, her husband Derek Lloyd, their children Taurean, Colin, Shea, Matt and Jon; Bruce, his wife Karen Dunlop, and their children, Simon and Sarah. Also surviving are his sister Helene, her husband Dean Murdoch; brother Victor and sisters-in-law Violet and Mary and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father John, mother Agatha, stepmother Helene, brother Ernest, sisters-in-law Lorraine and Frieda and brother-in-law John. John was born in Manitou, Manitoba on October 18, 1928 and soon thereafter the family moved to Winnipeg. John believed in giving back to his community. He was deeply involved and committed to many charitable foundations, including universities, independent schools, civic and health boards and especially as Chairman of the First Mennonite Church Council and of the Winnipeg Centennial Celebrations Committee. His volunteer efforts were acknowledged with medals and awards, among them the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of significant contributions to compatriots, to community and to Canada; the Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria for his work as Honorary Consul to Austria; and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. John enjoyed a full business experience. He served variously as Chairman, Director, President and advisor for several business establishments. A large portion of his business career was with Monarch Industries, a family business started by his father. He fulfilled his fondest wish by helping his sons set up their individual companies. John and Elsie travelled the world. They drove to all parts of Canada and the US. They toured many parts of Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, South America, Russia and Europe. They came to know, understand and appreciate many of the world's peoples. John was a dignified and dedicated family man who exemplified Christian values in everything he did. He enjoyed, encouraged and supported his family to grow in independence and in their own fields of endeavor. One of his greatest joys was the time he spent with his family at Lake of the Woods. He loved the lake and enjoyed exploring its beauty through many years of boating and latterly by developing his rock gardens on the island. That his children and grandchildren learned and shared that passion for the lake will be one of his enduring legacies. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to all of John's health care providers including the team on A7 West of the St. Boniface General Hospital, the St. Boniface Cancer Care Clinic, Karen Braun, Joanna Zoppa and pharmacist Pat Trozzo. Special thanks for the extraordinary, compassionate care of Dr. Cliff Yaffe. Cremation has taken place in accordance with John's wishes. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, Notre Dame at Arlington with the Rev. Franz Wiebe officiating. For parking instructions please call Friends Funeral Services at 339-5555. If desired, donations may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, Room ON1160, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, R3E 0V9 FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2007