KLASSEN, Jacob J. (Jake)
April 28, 1927 – May 10, 2011
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith” 2 Tim 4:7
Jacob J. (Jake) Klassen, dearly beloved husband of Mary Klassen, peacefully went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the age of 84 years.
Jake blessed many with his kind and generous personality. He loved his family, church and everyone he came in contact with. Our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather will be sadly missed.
Jake is survived by his children – Alfred (Patrice) Klassen of Sherwood Park, Irene (Harry) Penner of Lethbridge, Norma (Don) Friesen of Burlington, ON; grandchildren – Brent Klassen (fiancée Elisa), Andrea (Brad and great-grandchild Caleb) Buechler, Bryan (Vanessa) Klassen, Alyssa and Olivia Klassen, Joel, Jeff and Stephen Penner, Jessica (Kiley and great-grandchild Kaden) Podhordeski, Adrien and Annika Friesen; brother – Gerald Klassen (friend Ralyn); sisters – Nettie (Willie) Hildebrandt, Lydia (Jake) Retzlaff, Amalia (John) Dyck, Heidi (John) Retzlaff, Sara (Dave) Derksen, Katie (Dennis) Harder; sister-in-laws – Elizabeth, Susan and Hilda Klassen; brother-in-laws – Jake (Rita) Krahn, Henry (Trudy) Krahn; sister-in-law – Anne (Ferdi) Peters; and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family.
Jake was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Aganeta Klassen; brothers – David, Daniel and Henry Klassen; and nephew – James Harder.
Jake was born in Harris, Saskatchewan and moved to Coaldale with his family when he was four years old. He was baptized in 1946 and married his sweetheart, Mary, on September 17, 1950. Jake was a journeyman carpenter and eventually had his own company, Klassen Construction Alta Ltd. He built many homes especially in the rural area around Lethbridge/Coaldale as well as commercial buildings including Lakeview Mennonite Brethren Church and College Drive Community Church. He was also foreman building the Coaldale Mennonite Church and gym.
Jake loved spending time with his family and when his family was young, spent many weekends in Waterton, hiking and fishing. Later he took his family skiing and golfing. Jake also enjoyed having rental units and worked until he was admitted to hospital in March of this year. Jake’s faith in Jesus Christ and his church life were of utmost importance and until the past few years he was involved in many areas including being Chairperson for several terms, Sunday School teacher, and Jake enjoyed singing with the Male Choir for many years.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, May 13, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 – 17 Street, Coaldale, with Pastors Manfred Boller and Gerald Klassen, officiating.