Obituary of Helen Klassen

August 11, 1924 - November 7, 2023

Helen (Janzen) Klassen passed away on November 7, 2023, at the age of 99 at the Mennonite Nursing Home in Rosthern.   Helen Klassen was born on August 11, 1924, in the family home at Eigenheim and was the 6^th in line of 7 sisters.  She also had 3 brothers.

Mom had many stories about growing up in the dirty thirties and all the characters that passed through their home, especially the gypsies who needed a meal and food for the road.  They had a big garden and always had enough to share with others.  She attended Eighenheim school until grade 8 and after that did housekeeping for the neighbours and babysat her nieces and nephews.  Mom was baptized at the Eigenheim church and attended a Bible school there.  Music was important to her, and she could play piano by ear right up to the age of 97. 

Helen married Edgar Klassen on October 30, 1947.  The first years of their marriage were spent in the Eigenheim district where they began farming.  In 1954, they moved to Sandwith together with Edgar’s brother and mom’s sister, Herman & Pauline Klassen.  It was here that Edgar and Helen purchased a farm and raised their family of 4 children. 

Mom’s days were spent caring for her family, tending to the garden, cooking, visiting with her Sandwith neighbours and being involved in the church.  Mom enjoyed her grandchildren, those who came to visit from far away and those who lived near. 

They enjoyed many bus tours in Canada and the USA, their favorite trip was to Alaska.   

After 41 years of farming, they moved to Medstead, then to Waldheim and in 2001 she moved to Pineview Manor to be closer to Dad who needed more care.  She remained there until her passing. 

Helen was predeceased by her husband Edgar, grandson Russell Klassen, daughter-in-law Eileen Klassen and her 9 siblings.   

Helen is survived by her loving family: children, LaVern Klassen, Duchess AB, Marlene (Richard) Retzlaff, Rosemary AB, Pete (Tanley) Klassen, Sandwith SK, Ruth (Dale) Ratzlaff, Waldheim SK;  nine grandchildren, Roseanne (Geoff) Paulgaard, Randy (Kim) Klassen, Dawn (Chris) Friesen, Heather (Emery) Grismer, Derek (Ashley) Klassen, Leanne (Danny) Groening, Ryan Retzlaff, Lance Walker, Stephen Froese; thirteen great grandchildren, Keterah & Damian Friesen, Austin, Carson, Emmett and Autumn Grismer, Jude & Tessa Klassen, Maryn & Sofia Paulgaard, Declan, Theodore, and Addie Groening; and one great-great grandchild, Nova Ryan.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Louise Epp. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Mennonite Nursing Home and Pineview for looking after our mother for the last 22 years and for the caring and kindness shown to us over this last week. 

The Funeral service will be held at the Fields of Hope Mennonite Church (Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite), southeast of Glenbush, SK on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 1:00 P.M.

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK