DANIEL KLASSEN

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DANIEL KLASSEN Daniel Klassen of Portage la Prairie passed away at the age of 83 years on Saturday, December 24, 2011, at the Portage District General Hospital. He was born on July 11, 1928, one of a twin (Martin) in the Altona region to parents John and Maria Klassen and grew up with his 10 siblings. He was married to Annie Klassen, previously deceased in 2005. Dan is survived by his siblings, Henry, Jessie, Andy, Sarah and Abe; son, Mark Klassen; daughter, Mary-Ann Klassen as well as numerous other relatives and in-laws. Daniel was raised in the Altona region on his family's farm. In 1963, he met and married Annie Isaac and they resided in Lac du Bonnet until 1969, when they sold their farm and moved to Portage la Prairie. Daniel then worked at the Manitoba Development Centre in the dietary department and later as a nurses aide until his retirement in 1983. In their pursuits of work for the church, Dan and Annie also resided in Mexico from 1973 to 1974 and Pilot Mound from about 1984 to 1990. Throughout his life, Daniel worked alongside Annie in the church, mainly the Portage Evangelical Church. He remained studious in his faith and ministered to others. Also throughout his life, Daniel continued with his love of farming and had many gardens over his lifetime which he shared freely with everyone. Daniel will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving and dedicated husband and father, a faithful servant of God and a great friend. Dan's positive spirit, humour and generosity touched many lives and his life will continue to be an encouragement and example to all who knew him. Thanks to so many people who have provided their love and support of Daniel over the past six years since Mom's passing. A special thanks to the Lion's Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie for their care of Daniel over the past three years. A Celebration of Daniel's life will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in the Portage Evangelical Church (72 3rd Street NE) led by Pastor Glenn Loewen with viewing prior to the service. Dan will be laid to rest next to his beloved Annie in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Dan's memory to The Gideons, P.O. Box 3619 Stn Main, Guelph, ON, N1H 9Z9 or to Portage Evangelical Church Building Fund, 502 5th Ave, NW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OE6 A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel 857-4021 A message can be left in the on-line guest book at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2011