Peacefully, with her family at her side, Nettie Klassen (nee Nickel) passed into the presence of her Saviour on Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 10 days short of her 89th birthday. Nettie was born to Johann and Maria Nickel on Aug. 8, 1919, in Mennonite Village #3 near Saratov in Russia during the tumultuous days preceding the Russian Revolution. During her early childhood the family endured years of political turmoil, financial hardships and famine. In 1925, the opportunity came to immigrate to Canada and landed in Quebec, made their way west and eventually resided on a farm in Main Centre, SK. Here she grew up and had a normal childhood, helping with normal household duties, including herding the cattle on the road allowances. Nettie was a brilliant student in school and was able to complete Grade nine before she stayed home to help with domestic chores. Nettie recognized her need of a Saviour at an early age and accepted him personally. She subsequently was baptized and joined the church. She lived a life of obedience to Jesus which was evident in her daily walk. She loved to sing with her sisters in a ladies trio. It was at Main Centre that she met her future husband, Frank Klassen. Frank and Nettie were married in 1938. Nettie was kept busy with gardening and other outdoor chores alongside her household work. Nettie contracted TB in the spring of 1975. After a lengthy treatment she was found to be TB free. It was at this time that Frank and Nettie decided to relocate to Herbert. Unfortunately it was Frank who passed away as a result of heart complications in 1977. Nettie continued to reside in Herbert until she moved to Medicine Hat in November, 2005. It was not until December, 2007 that she was able to move into Chinook Village and into her own suite. She was taken to the hospital on the 23rd of July. Loving, gentle, caring, her family is her legacy. She will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her children: Les (Doris) Klassen, Abbotsford: Larry (Gloria) Klassen, Regina: Arlene (Pete) Braun, Medicine Hat: Glen (Wendy) Klassen, Medicine Hat; her 9 Grandchildren who were dear to her heart: Kevin, Troy, Shawn (Jennie): Gail (Stephen), Drew (Joleen): Myron (Charissa), Lyndon (Mindy): Tracy, Lori (Ken); and 13 Great-Grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Elizabeth (Henry) Derksen; one brother, Jake (Ruth) Nickel; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank; her daughter, Gladys, in infancy: a Grandson, Gary: her parents, Johann and Maria Nickel; her brothers, John and Anton; and sisters, Mary, Annie, Kathryn and Margaret.
The Funeral Service was held on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 2:00 pm from the Living Faith Evangelical Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Donovan Epp officiating. The pianist was Diane Peters. Scripture was read from Psalm 103. “How Great Thou Art” and “It Is Well With My soul” were sung by the congregation. Tributes were shared by the Grandchildren and by Les Klassen, on behalf of the Children. Special music was provided by Joyce Weare & Linda Phillips singing, “The Holy City” and by Todd & Amanda singing, “I Can Only Imagine”. The ushers in the church were Elvin Block and Dan Schapansky. The Interment preceded the Funeral Service and was held at the Capeland Cemetery, Main Centre, SK with the following grandchildren serving as pallbearers, Kevin, Troy, Shawn, Gail, Drew, Myron, Lyndon, Tracy and Lori. In memory of Nettie Klassen, donations made to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family.
Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. |
