JOHN

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JOHN "CURLY" KLASSEN John "Curly" Klassen passed away peacefully at the Central Park Lodge in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on December 8, 2000 at the age of 79, after a lengthy illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Abram W. and Anna Klassen; his sisters, Anna, Susie and Lena; and his brothers, Jacob and Roy. He will be missed by his wife, Urstla; his son Ronn (Judy) his stepson Bob (Ruth) Richardson and their children, Dana and Scott; his sister Anne (Frank) Braun; his brother Lorence (Brenda) Klassen; his niece Melanie (Wilf) Thiessen and their children, Christopher and Chloe; his nephew Kerry Leroy (Audrey) Braun and their children, Leroy and Victoria; his nephews, Kevin and Darryl Klassen; and his niece B.J. (Don) Briggs of Colorado and her daughters, Bobbie and Tracie. He was born on January 25, 1921 at Rosenheim, Manitoba and grew up on the family farm near Horndean. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces on April 24, 1942 and served in the Italian Campaign in the Strathcona Horse until he was wounded, after which he served in the Ontario Regiment. After the war, he joined the Air Force in 1954 until his retirement in 1985. He retired with his wife Urstla to Vernon, British Columbia where he lived 13 years before moving to Medicine Hat in 1998 after suffering a stroke. He was baptized on his confession of faith by Pastor Ed Giesbrecht of the Mennonite Church of Vernon on April 10, 1998 and passed away secure in his salvation. His pleasures included reading, walking five miles every morning and spending time with his grandchildren. He had a keen interest in politics and news events and enjoyed a lively debate on various issues. The family would like to thank the staff at Central Park Lodge who brightened his stay there and Dr. Kriel and Dr. DiNinno for the care they provided. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on Thursday, December 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. The Funeral Service will be held in CRESTWOOD MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2348 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on Saturday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Schmidt, officiating. Interment will follow at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery, Medicine Hat, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, 124, 430 - 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8, or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102-1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4Z8 or to the Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5K9. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, The Chapel in the Park, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2000