Elsie Klassen

Elsie Klassen, age 82, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at the Cypress House in Swift Current, after battling with cancer. Elsie was born in Herbert, SK on August 4, 1933. Her first job was working at the Herbert Phone office, then later she moved to Swift Current and worked at Shogan’s Drugstore. Elsie married Jake Klassen in 1955, and they were blessed with two daughters, Marlene (Friesen) and Gail (Klassen). Elsie entered into long term employment with the Pioneer Co-op in 1968 as a sales clerk, where she worked until retirement in 1991, after 23 years of service. Elsie enjoyed her 23 years with the Pioneer Co-op and developed many close friendships. In her retirement she enjoyed gardening, long walks, camping, and traveling with family. Elsie was very attentive to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed their regular visits to grandma's house. Elsie is survived by her daughter, Marlene (Dale) Friesen, of Schoenfeld, SK; their children, Jennifer, Andrea, Melanie (Ken) – their children, Jacob, Noah, Natalie, Kevin (Kristin) – their son,  Tofino; her daughter, Gail (Cam Silzer) Klassen, of Swift Current, SK; their sons Jason Klassen and Kirk Klassen; her siblings, Sarah Klassen, Evelyn (John) Petkau, Harry (Verna) Andres, Corny (Betty) Andres, Shirley (Dale) Smith, Janet (Chuck) Lawson; her sister-in-law, Mary (Harry) Prang; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Jake Klassen; her parents, and parents-in-law; her sister, Esther Andres; and by her brother-in-law, Pete Klassen. Elsie will be remembered as a loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and a great friend. As a family we know that she is in Heaven with her Savior.

The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at 10:00 am from the Zion Mennonite Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Herman J. Wiebe officiating. The musician for the service was Sheila Braun. “I Come to the Garden” and “Peace Like a River (It is Well with My Soul),” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Ken Friesen. Scripture was read from Psalm 30. The eulogy was shared by Harry Andres with the grandchildren sharing the tributes. Special music was provided by Kevin Friesen singing, “I’m Almost Home” and by Chuck & Janet Lawson, and Shawn & Becky Hammond singing, “Where the Roses Never Fade”. The ushers in the church were Kerry Andres and Kristi Block. The Interment Service was held at the Schantzenfeld Cemetery, Schantzenfeld, SK.

 Service Information