Obituary of John Klassen

John Vincent Klassen

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Rivers Personal Care Home.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, George and Anna Klassen, siblings, Dietrich, Anne, George, Katherine and two infants.  Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife Linda, children Sandra (Randy), Linda (Florin), Bob (Susan), Sher (Eric), and Tracy (Dave) along with 14 Grandchildren, 14.5 Great Grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad was born in Roland, Manitoba in 1933 and was the youngest child.  His family remained in that area until finally settling in Rivers in 1940.  He married Linda in 1971, a marriage that lasted 52 years.  Most of their years were spent in Brandon, but after retirement finally moving just outside of Shilo, where they developed their 5 acres to make it home.  They fulfilled their dream of country living. They planted hundreds of trees, created flower gardens and of course, never ending vegetable gardens. They were so proud to share their home and land with anyone that came to visit.  There was always an invitation for a walk around to check the progress of a tree or a vegetable, and a story to go with it.

Dad worked for Paul’s Hauling for 33 years. He was a dedicated employee that had great respect for his company and the industry.  He spent many years long-haul trucking and then moved into the dispatch office where he could be home every night.  He would proudly proclaim to all of us that he had driven more miles backwards than we would ever drive forwards.

Dad loved God.  He would pour over scripture and was inspired by God’s word. Dad was active in his church and always dug in to help whether it was driving the church bus, leading bible study or volunteering with youth. He never hesitated to lead a prayer or say a prayer. He was confident that at the end of his natural life, he would rest with Jesus in Heaven.

Dad loved his family.  He cherished time with kids and grandkids, never passing up an opportunity to spend time with any one of us.  No event wasn’t worth the trip to take part in a grandchild’s activity, always wearing the brightest smile. He spoke of each of us proudly with true admiration of the people we became.

Dad spent the last 9 years of his life in Rivers Personal Care Home, where he created an extended family. Not enough can be said of the care and love that he received in his final years.  The family is so grateful for the people who have ensured his comfort, laughed with him, and enjoyed his stories over the years.  A funeral service for John will be held at Rivers Community Church, 447 Edward St. Rivers, MB., on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Riverdale PCH Recreation Department, 512 Quebec St. Box 428, Rivers, MB, R0K 1X0.