Archie Klassen

Arthur “Archie” Wilbert Klassen, 90, passed away peacefully in his chair at home in Herbert, SK on Sunday, October 8, 2017. Archie Klassen was born November 20, 1926 to Abraham & Margaret Klassen in the Beaver Flat area, where he grew up. Archie married the first love of his life, Frances Audrey Olson, on July 16, 1954. They settled in the Ernfold area, where they ranched and raised their family of six children together until 1996, when Frances went ahead to be with the Lord. They had been married 42 years. Archie loved life and family. Being one of the youngest in a family of twelve, there was never a shortage of laughter and activity. He loved to tell stories of the people he met and the adventures he had. Although most of his 90 years were spent in the Swift Current area, in his younger years he spent a few summers working across the border combining and working in the oil fields in northern Alberta. On June 23, 2007, Archie married Olga Harder — the second love of his life. They shared ten wonderful years together. Archie & Olga cared deeply for each other, and each other’s families. After family and God, his passions were horses and music — in later years, music became his way of sharing and encouraging those around him. Archie is survived by his wife, Olga Klassen; his children, Darlene (Gary) Zabel, Margie (Randy) Rhode, Dennis (Jan) Klassen, Patsy (Darren) Jury, Wade (Sharilyn) Klassen, and Melinda (Steve) Paterson; his twenty-one grandchildren and their spouses; his nineteen great-grandchildren; his sisters, Susie Fortman, Ruby (Al) Kleps, and Gladys (Art) Yerex; and by many nieces and nephews. Archie will be deeply missed.

The Funeral Service for Archie Klassen was held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Lincoln Vellacott officiating. “Precious Memories,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “What a Day That Will Be,” and “To the River” were sung by the congregation, with Lorraine Paterson serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Archie’s granddaughters, Jessica, Jamie, and Laura Paterson. The eulogy was read by Archie’s granddaughter, Tobi Walker. Tributes were given by Archie’s granddaughters, Tifni Bartel, Crystal Penner, and Kayla Jury, and by Shauna Harder, on behalf of the Harder Family. The ushers in the church were Randy Voth, Brad Peterson, Elmer Wiebe & Ron Schultz. The Private Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service from the Ernfold Cemetery, Ernfold, SK with Archie’s grandsons, Brennen Jury, Joel Paterson, Logan Klassen, Brett Klassen, Jay Rhode, Jeff Rhode, Skylar Klassen, Dylan Klassen, and Joshua Klassen serving as Pallbearers. Readings were shared by Shawnie Cedarhome and Cortney Klassen.

 Service Information