KLASSEN, Herman Peter

Herman Peter Klassen was born to Peter P. and Susanna (Rempel) Klassen on July 31, 1895 in Pleschanowo, Neu Samara, Russia. Herman’s father passed away when he was thirteen years old. After two years, his mother married Peter Fast, adding six more children to her family of nine.

In his fourteenth year, Herman accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized and accepted into the Donskoj Mennonite Brethren Church on June 12, 1911. Herman’s marriage to Elisabeth Fast in 1918 was only to last eight years before she passed away from tuberculosis at the age of twenty-eight. They had two sons and two daughters, one daughter dying in infancy.

The Lord sent Maria Janzen from Podolsk, a neighbouring village, to be his life's partner and loving mother to his young children. They were blessed with an additional three sons, who were born in Russia, and three daughters, who were born in Canada. Two sons also died in infancy. The third son came to Canada with them in 1930, but died by drowning at age two.

As their freedoms were being taken away, Herman drove many families to the train station as they prepared to leave Russia. There was talk that he was on the wanted list. Herman told Maria to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. That day came. In 1929 they were on the last train to leave Moscow before the borders closed.

In Canada, Herman and Maria spent the first years in Southern Alberta. Life was harsh and laborious, but they were free. Looking for fertile soil and a better life, they moved from Coaldale, Alberta to Yarrow, BC in 1942, where Herman was a dairy and raspberry farmer.

Herman found various ways to serve his community and the Mennonite Brethren Church. The highlight was as Kitchen Stewart, where, together with many willing helpers, he was able to prepare and serve meals for the many conferences taking place in this large church. He assisted families in the planning and implementation at their wedding receptions.

Herman and Maria hosted many visitors; in turn they enjoyed the hospitality of their many friends. Herman and Maria celebrated thirty-two years together, until Maria passed away in 1958, having endured much illness.

In his sorrow, Herman found another companion in Helena Penner of Winkler, Manitoba. After a time in Yarrow, they moved to Abbotsford, taking their membership to the Clearbrook MB Church.

Herman started to have some health challenges. On his sixty-seventh birthday, he was admitted to Abbotsford (MSA) Hospital for the last time. Herman passed away peacefully on August 11, 1962. His funeral took place in the Clearbrook MB Church on August 14, 1962 with Rev. H.H. Janzen and Rev. D. Neuman officiating. Interment followed at the Yarrow Cemetery.

He leaves to mourn his widow, Helena, his two sons, Peter (Helen) and John (Katie) and four daughters, Elizabeth (Dan Thiessen), Agnes, Annie (Dave Giesbrecht) and Katie (Edward Giesbrecht) and ten grandchildren. Of Helena’s family, he leaves one daughter, Annie (Ike Dyck) and two sons, Peter (Joyce) and Ben, and nine grandchildren.

Herman Klassen Family 1944