Edward Klassen

Peacefully, on April 30, 2024, after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Edward Klassen, at the age of 86 years, was called to his eternal home.  He was predeceased by his wife Selma in 2002, and his brothers Dan, Martin, John, Peter, and Henry.  He is survived by his daughter Anne (Kirby) Breitkreuz of Yorkton, SK; son Ray (Karen) Klassen of Morden; daughter Brenda (Bob) Goertzen of Winkler; daughter Denise (Paul) Bourgeault of Calgary AB; son Wayne (Lori) Klassen of Reinfeld.  He is also survived by 12 grandchildren Eldon Breitkreuz, Julia Breitkreuz, Matthew Breitkreuz & fiancé Brooklyn, Stephanie & Keith Beatty, Melanie & Jon Mark Neufeld, Phillip Klassen, Jeanette Goertzen, Jonathan & Ashley Goertzen, Chantel Bourgeault, Aliyah Bourgeault, Alyssa Klassen, and Samantha Klassen; also left to mourn are 8 great grandchildren, brother Erdman (Katie) Klassen, brother David (Helen) Klassen, and sister Elizabeth Klassen, and many nieces and nephews.

Edward was born to Peter D and Elizabeth Klassen near Gretna, Manitoba on July 11, 1937. He was raised on the family farm in Blumenort.  After marrying Selma Harder of the village of Altona in 1960, they moved to a farm near Rudnerweide where he spent the remainder of his life.  Dad enjoyed mixed farming and supplemented his income by first working for the grain elevator at Gretna, then the RM of Rhineland, as well as driving school bus for many years.  In his later years, Dad stopped farming his land, chose to lease it to his neighbor Gerald Wiebe, and continued to work his land by working for Gerald.  He also sold his cream quota and switched to beef cattle, which gave him much enjoyment and satisfaction.  Whenever Dad was encouraged to move off the farm and take it easy in his later years, a common phrase he used was “I’m right where I want to be”.

Dad had a very deep faith in God, and this sustained him through many hard times.  He became a Christian at an early age and was baptized on the confession of his faith in the Sommerfelder Church.  He spent many hours studying God’s word and other Biblical texts and listening to Biblical programming.   Dad was a deep thinker and always had thought provoking questions and perspectives to add in discussions.  Dad served the Lord by sitting on numerous church boards.  He also actively supported the Union Gospel Mission, speaking at the services and bringing in speakers and musicians.  Dad showed his love by doing acts of service and helping those in need.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the South Park Mennonite Brethren Church in Altona.  Interment will take place after the service at the Froese Family Cemetery.  Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Saturday, May 4 from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m., and at the church prior to the service.  

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Dad’s memory to the Far East Broadcasting Corporation Canada or a charity of one’s choice.