Abe Klassen

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ABRAM KLASSEN

Abram, second son of Abram and Helena Klassen, was born on August 26th, 1929, in Blumenort, a village west of Gretna. He was a namesake of both his father and his maternal grandfather.

Abe is survived by one daughter, and two sons.

Daughter Linda is married to Paul Schmitt with their two children:
Carolyn married to Sheldon with sons Josiah and Tobias,
Timothy married to Alexandra with son Maxwell.

Son George is married to Lorraine with their three children:
Jason married to Marcy with children Benjamin, Caleb, and Anna,
Dave married to Darci with children Riley and Tyson,
Nathan married to Kassandra.

Son Ernie is married to Karen with their three children:
Brent married to Carrie with children Gavin and Grace,
Sheldon married to Janelle with children Easton, Emma, and Bryton,
Joylyn married to Phil.

Abe is survived by his siblings and their families: brother Jake married to Eva, sisters: Betty and Gertrude; sister-in-law Justina, and two brothers-in-law: Harold and Paul.

Abe was predeceased by his wife Annie, one son in childbirth, his parents Abram and Helena Klassen, and his siblings: Henry, Bertha, Helen; and three brothers-in-law: Ernest, J.M., and Neil.

Abe grew up with two brothers and four sisters. He attended South Park School, then took a break before he continued on to high school at the MCI in Gretna.

During a difficult stage, when he was contemplating a decision to leave home, Uncle George (known as Onkel Yeeit) led him to Christ with a tract that quoted John 3:16. God’s love for ALL persuaded Abe to accept the Saviour personally. Follow-up conversation with his Grandpa Klassen (a minister), who lived next-door, encouraged him. Along with baptism, he became a member of the Blumenorter Mennonite Church. An example of his generous personality became evident when, after his beloved Uncle George died, he took care of the farm for Aunt Mary for a year.

Abe had tried his hand at a variety of jobs, but it became evident that his passion was farming. His love for horses and riding was there from the time of his youth.

Abe and Annie Peters were destined for each other from an early age. They were married on July 5th, 1951, whereupon they settled on a farm near Killarney. After about five years, they chose to make a move to a dairy farm south of Steinbach. Abe was very strong - a hard worker – also knew how to involve others in his projects. It was unfortunate that an angry bull attacked him in the pasture one day, broke front and back ribs and collarbone and injured his arm. By God’s provision, his life was spared.

Abe and Annie welcomed and nurtured their children: Linda, George and Ernie. They were anticipating the birth of another baby and mourned at length for the little boy who did not live. As the years went by, their children married and began their own homes and families.

Abe’s life was not ‘all work and no play’. He enjoyed having nieces and nephews come to ride the horses. He raised exotic animals and birds, like pheasants, peacocks, pigeons and bantam chickens. School children came on tours to admire them. Abe and Annie would set up long tables when they hosted large groups of friends or relatives for meals. Abe loved to fish and travel.

Retirement came earlier than expected due to diminishing eyesight. This initiated a move to a new home in town, namely Steinbach. When Annie’s health gradually faded into a need for hospitalization, Abe was very lonesome but he carried on, facing the many challenges, especially that of blindness, with the help of family, friends and the healthcare system. When the opportunity came to move into Bethesda Place, he did so in order to be close to his wife again. This togetherness was a blessing but it was brief. Soon after Abe moved to Bethesda Place, Annie passed away.

Much of Abe’s time in later life was spent in solitude so he relied on a multitude of pleasant memories to occupy his mind. Abe loved going to childrens’ homes for gatherings, meals, and visits, and also loved trips to local restaurants with his children. When these outings were no longer possible, special treats were brought to his residence, and communication by phone became even more important. He appreciated his caregivers at Bethesda Place and often commented on how well they looked after him. Since September 18, he was confined to bed and on Sunday, October 4th, he quietly responded to the call of the Lord. He can now rejoice: “My God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18: 28

The funeral service was held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB, with viewing at the church prior to the service. Burial followed at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Abe may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Oct 08, 2015