ERNEST J. KLASSEN

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ERNEST J. KLASSEN Peacefully on Wednesday, November 3, 2004, Ernest passed away at the Tuxedo Villa at the age of 80. He leaves Mary his dearly beloved wife of 57 years; his children, Gregory (Nancy), Serena and Melanie; grandchildren, Tyson, Warren, Charles, Romy, Mika, Trevor and Angelina; brothers, John (Elsie) Klassen, Victor (Lorraine) Klassen of Vancouver and sister Helene (Dean) Murdoch. Born in Gretna, MB, on March 23, 1924 to John and Agatha (nee Janzen) Klassen. Married Mary Willms July 5, 1947 in Leamington, ON. Ernest was Chairman of Monarch Industries until his retirement in 1989. Ernie was also President of the Tuxedo Progressive Conservative Association and the Canadian Water Systems Manufacturers Association. He also served on the Boards of the Manitoba Opera Association, Manitoba Art Gallery, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Manitoba Design Institute, American Society of Metals and the Banff School of Advanced Management. He was also Commodore of The Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club and a Director and Secretary of the West Winnipeg Rotary Club where he was a member for more than 30 years. His happiest times were when he was surrounded by his family, children and grandchildren at their Summer Place on Lake of the Woods. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 6 at the First Mennonite Church, Arlington and Notre Dame at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Franz Wiebe and Rev. Kathy Koop will preside. Private interment at Brookside Cemetery. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so the evening of Friday, November 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. Honorary pallbearers will be his brothers, John Klassen and Victor Klassen; brothers-in-law, Gene Woodsit, Harry Willms and Dean Murdoch; Ernie Enns and Hank Peters. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 943-6622. THOMSON Funeral Home - 669 Broadway - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2004