Milly Klassen

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Milly Klassen (nee Olfert) known lovingly to family and friends as Milly. Milly passed on May 13th 2026 at the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba after a brief battle with her health.

Milly was born on April 10th, 1944, at Bethel Hospital in Winkler, Manitoba. Throughout her life she carried the quiet strength, warmth, and faith that would come to define who she was over the years. She lived as a Christian woman who loved the Lord and remained faithful in her walk of life.

Milly’s life was marked by devotion to her family, service to her community and a steady kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons Clint (Jenn) and Carl (Dawn); by her grandchildren Seth, Mason, and Danica also by her dear sister Lois (Ron) along with many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Elizabeth Olfert (nee Enns), her husband of 42 years, Andrew and her cherished son Curtis in 1990.

Her family remembers her as a woman who was beyond patient, though also stubborn and determined. Her sons knew better than to make her angry and they spoke with the affection about the strong-willed side of the Enns family that she inherited from her mother.

Milly married Andy, on August 7, 1976, at the Winkler M.B. church. Milly studied at teachers’ college in Winnipeg and went on to spend 15 ½ years teaching school aged children in the Thames and New Hope districts, taking a break for a few years to raise her children before she went back. She approached teaching with creativity, patience and care and she found joy in helping children learn and grow. After her years in the classroom, she continued to serve others in practical and meaningful ways. She used her creativity at the floral shop Petals and Wings and later at Grace’s Place.

After her husband Andy retired from Bunge the two of them also cleaned the COOP after hours for a few years working side by side with the same dependable spirit that shaped their life together.

Those who knew Milly will remember that she cherished every moment with her sons and their families as well as with her sister, cousins and many close friends. Milly was also involved and enjoyed the retired teachers’ group, Flying Free group, the Koinonia ladies, and puzzling in the Buffalo Apartments common room. She loved her morning coffee, her bible readings and her daily crossword puzzle. She was also delighted when she was taught to use the computer and spent many late nights playing Words with Friends and other online games with her sister.

In her later years she took part in the Buffalo bakers in providing nutritious breakfasts and snacks to the Elmwood students. Music and signing were a deep part of who she was, and she carried that love with her throughout her life.

Milly was baptized September 1st, 1957, and she continued as a faithful servant all the days of her life. Her faith was not merely something she professed, but something she lived. As Proverbs 31:26 says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” That verse reflects in many ways the spirit Milly carried in the world.

We want to say thanks to her family doctor, Dr, Haq and the loving nurses and health care aids at Altona Health Center and the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg where the most wonderfully devoted nurses took care of her- a special thank you to Dylan and Julian.

Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Interment will take place prior to the service at Froese Family Cemetery. Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Monday, May 18 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Milly may be made to Generation Rising, or the Curtis Klassen Memorial Fund.