Peter Klaassen

(Written by Peter in November 2007) I was born into the Christian home of A.P.J. and Maria Klaassen west of Main Centre on May 7, 1931. I had one older sister, Irene. When old enough, I had many chores to do, but always found time to play with my caterpillar set.  The dirty thirties provided great blow dirt banks. My educational years were spent in Funk school.  Irene and I went the 3 miles by sleigh in winter, horseback in the muddy spring, and buggy in the summer.

All my life I loved the coulees and river hills. I spent countless hours walking many miles seeing and enjoying God’s creation in both summer and winter.  This was more educational than sitting in school. The good old threshing days were a highlight for me. After I was old enough and experienced my dad and his brother gave me the privilege and responsibility to be threshing machine operator!  I was thrilled and proud. After my mother passed away in 1947, I went through many difficult and rebellious years. 

On October 12, 1952, I married my sweetheart, Esther Zacharias. My dad moved to B.C. and Esther and I took over the farm. Due to the prayers of Esther, my dad and mom and many dear Christian friends along with the powerful working of the Holy Spirit, I accepted Christ as my personal Savior in July 1960. Esther and I were baptized together and joined the good old Turnhill Country Church. In 1962 the Lord called us to Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta. After I graduated in 1968, I pastored the Turnhill Church for one year. The Lord then called us back to P.B.I. to work on the Prairie Farm.  1972 saw us move back to the farm at Main Centre. We fellowshipped at the Capeland church.

We bought and moved to the Orlando Martens farm north of Main Centre in 1975.  We lived there until 1979 at which time we bought the acreage in Old Main Centre.  Dewayne and Myron took over farming. The Lord provided various jobs for me in the late 70’s and 80’s along with helping on the farm. I really enjoyed getting the equipment ready for both seeding and harvest. Plans and things changed when I had a massive heart attack on January 1, 1991. I improved after bypass surgery in March.  In 1996 by the grace of God I survived flesh eating disease. I can only say that the good Lord has been gracious and faithful every day of my life.

(From 2007 to present) Due to mom’s failing health, mom and dad moved from Main Centre to Swift Current for the winter months.  It became apparent that dad needed help in taking care of mom, so the decision was made to move them to the care home in Dalmeny, SK in October 2017. In March 2018 dad suffered a massive stroke making it impossible for him to assist with care for mom.  This was really hard for him as he had provided and cared for her so many years. The Lord made it possible for them to still see each other every day, sit together, watch music DVD’s and hold hands until the day the Lord called dad home.

We are very thankful that dad was able to be active till his last day.  Last year he put up Christmas lights outside the nursing home.  He planted the garden and flowers both at the home and at Jon and Valerie’s and took care of the watering all summer as well.  He also made sure everything was cleaned up for winter.  He spent many hours in prayer each day and took time to count his blessings. He talked to his children and grandchildren on the phone and over the internet whenever the opportunity presented itself.  Encouraging other residents of the care home and supporting missionaries, especially those of his own family, was important to him until his final days. 

He never went outside or to bed without first giving his sweetheart a kiss and saying goodbye.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 67 years and two days, Esther Klaassen; his son, Dewayne Klaassen (New Westminster, BC), his children and their families, Zachary (Jen) Klaassen (Aubrey, Caleb, and Olivia) and Jordan (Ashley) Klaassen (Adalie and Arlo); Mary Liner (Evans, GA), mother of Zachary and Jordan; his son, Myron (Bonnie) Klaassen (Main Centre, SK), his children and their families, Jenna (Craig) Dyck (Elianna, Nathanael and Brielle), Andrea Klaassen, and Jared (Jessica) Klaassen (Bekah, Sadie and Danner); his daughter, Valerie (Jonathan) Redekop (Dalmeny, SK), her children and their families, Mark (Jessica) Redekop (Amelia) and Joanne (Jason) Borrowman; his son, Keith (Sharon) Klaassen (Steinbach, MB), and his children, Taylor Klaassen and Peyton Klaassen.

The Funeral Service for Peter Klaassen was held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Glenn Blazosek and Pastor Clinton Oakman officiating. “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me,” “To God Be the Glory,” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation, with Valerie Redekop serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Glenn & Theresa Blazosek, who sang “In the Sweet By and By” and “Shall We Gather at the River.” The obituary was given by Peter’s Family. Tributes were given by Peter’s children and grandchildren.

The Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Turnhill Cemetery, Beaver Flat Area, SK with Peter’s grandchildren serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Peter Klaassen, donations made to Christian for Israel (C4i) Designated to homeless seniors in Jerusalem (C4i Canada, Box 26048, Brantford, ON, N3R 7X4) and Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter Klaassen, please visit our floral store.