Kathleen Klassen

Kathleen Dorothy Klassen, age 89, passed away on Monday, September 12th, 2016 at the Herbert Heritage Manor. Kathleen was born on September 25th, 1926 in Reedley, California — the youngest of three children born to Peter P. & Elizabeth (Funk) Klassen. When Kathleen was two, her father moved the family back to Canada because their mother became ill and required constant hospital care. The children were raised by their grandparents in the Glenn Kerr area of Saskatchewan. Kathleen's mother was hospitalized in Brandon, MB and her father moved to Manitoba for work. The older two children soon moved to Manitoba as well, and Kathleen chose to stay with her grandparents. She missed her siblings immensely. She attended school in Glenn Kerr and finished her Grade 8 education. Kathleen married Jacob Klassen on April 13th, 1944 at his parent’s home in Glenn Kerr. Together, they took catechism classes and made a commitment to the Lord. They were both baptized in May of 1944 and attended the Sommerfeld Church. Kathleen & Jake settled in Calderbank, SK where Jake worked for the railroad. In 1949 they moved to Herbert with their first son, Ralph. Kathleen kept things going at home while Jake worked for the school division and expanded into carpentry on his own. In 1951 a second son, Harvey was born. Kathleen was always busy in the home. She was a good cook and there were always fresh buns and cookies. Each year saw a large garden with vegetables and flowers. Fourteen years later in 1965, the boys got their baby sister, Barbara. When Harvey and Barb were still school age, Kathleen began taking courses and working outside the home doing home care for several clients. When Barb went through driver training, Kathleen decided to take driver's education and get her driver's license. Kathleen also spent many hours volunteering at the Herbert MCC Store. Kathleen & Jake began attending the Herbert Conference Church when there were no longer services at the Sommerfeld Church. Kathleen became involved with the Ladies Aid, and the auxiliary to the Homes. She loved to sing, listen to music, and taught herself to play the harpsichord. Kathleen also enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She loved the fellowship while quilting with the church ladies. All the women of the Herbert community were a wonderful support to her. Kathleen is survived by her sons, Ralph Klassen (Calgary, AB), Harvey & Lois Klassen (Swift Current, SK); a daughter, Barbara & Ted Paetkau (Okotoks, AB); her treasured nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Klassen (Winnipeg, MB), Tina Buhler (Winkler, MB); brothers-in-law, Frank & Ruth Klassen (Abbotsford, BC), Abe & Betty Klassen (Calgary, AB); and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter P. & Elizabeth (Funk) Klassen; her husband, Jake Klassen in 2000; her brother, Menno Klassen (Winnipeg, MB) in 1974; her sister, Marie Suderman (Niverville, MB) in 2007; a daughter-in-law, Linda Klassen (Calgary, AB) in 2015; and by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. We will miss her quiet strength and unshakeable faith.

The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 2:00 pm from the Living Faith Fellowship Church, Herbert, SK with Jake Peters officiating. The pianist for the service was Lois Klassen. “It Is Well with My Soul” and “Because He Lives” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Donovan Epp. The obituary was read by Barb Paetkau with the tributes shared by Tracy Epp (on behalf of the Herbert Heritage Manor) and by Harvey Klassen. Special music was provided by Donovan Epp and by granddaughters: Kendra Ngabwe, Jenn Thiessen and Lisa Baerg. The Interment Service was held at the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Chris Klassen, Corwin Klassen, Curtis Klassen, Matthew Klassen, Kevin Thiessen and Josh Paetkau. In memory of Kathleen Klassen, donations made to the Herbert Heritage Manor would be appreciated by the family.

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