Katherine KLASSEN

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KLASSEN: It is with sorrow that we, her family announce the death of Katherine Klassen on September the 19, 2011 at Hillcrest Place, formerly of 83 Wilnor Bay, Brandon and Beresford, Manitoba. Katherine was born to Jakob and Anna Derksen in Felsenbach, Ukraine on May the 1, 1924. After a tumultuous childhood and young adulthood in Europe before, during and following WWII, she immigrated to Alexander, Canada where she met and married the love of her life, David Klassen. They were married in Abbotsford, British Columbia on October the 15, 1949 and then settled on Dad's farm at Beresford, Manitoba. As we think about Mom's life, the gifts of hospitality, kindness, benevolence and care are hallmarks of her life. From serving coffee to neighbours to large family dinners on special occasions, Mom's baking skills and hospitality gifts were known to many. She was a humble, unassuming woman who always placed others before herself; hundreds have experienced her generosity, caring and concern. As children, we were well taught the virtues of caring and sharing and the importance of faith in God. She loved her grandchildren and later her great grandchildren unceasingly; as a prayer warrior, her family was always in her prayers and as she was always interested in and aware of the activities of her family, she prayed specifically. Katie is survived by her daughter Helga (Jim) Bryant and grandsons and great granddaughters: Chris and Sheri Bryant, Haylie and Alyssa; Ken and Jocelynn Bryant; David and Anna Mae Bryant, Tayler and Sierra. She is also survived by her son Paul (Becky) Klassen and grandchildren and great grandsons: Valerie and Walter Funk, Steven andJordan; Kevin and Lyndsey Klassen, Deklan and Cole. Also surviving are a sister Anna Ackerman in Germany; sisters-in-law Anne Klassen and Liz Robinson and husband Norman of Vancouver, British Columbia; brother-in-law Henry Klassen and wife Edna of Merritt, British Columbia. Katie was predeceased by her loving husband David Klassen in January of 2009. They are now together in the presence of their Lord and Saviour. We wish to thank the staff at Hillcrest Place for the loving care and attention they provided to our mom as she made her home there since January of 2009. A celebration of Katie's life was held at Richmond Park Church on Friday, September 23. Donations in Katie's memory can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5K9. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 24, 2011