Obituary of John Klassen

John Klassen

February 26, 1940 – August 4, 2020

It is with heavy hearts and sadness we announce the sudden passing on August 4, 2020.

Loving and devoted husband of Sara (Siemens) for almost 58 years. Best Dad to Judy (Dave) Wall, Lorie (Ron) Thiessen and Steven (Andrea Block) Fun loving and caring grandpa (Bopie) to Amy, Darren (Kate), Kailey (Nathanael), Emily, Alyssa (1997), Janaye and Bethany.  Great Opa to Isaiah who put a twinkle in his eye.

John loved people and his happy and contented spirit gained him many friends. Like someone said, “everyone loved John”.  Prior to retirement, John worked at Tabor Manor - as a PSW -where he served the seniors with love and enjoyment. He truly lived out his Faith at work and in his everyday life.

He served the God he loved in many capacities in the Vineland Mennonite Brethren Church for 46 years.  His beautiful tenor voice gave him many opportunities to bless people.  It was a very hard time for him when he lost his singing voice several years ago. But, as usual, he took that blow with grace but not without shedding some tears.

John loved his family and people.  He enjoyed nature, travelling and a good joke.  His hobby of woodworking created many gifts for his grandchildren, treasured to this day.

In retirement, he enjoyed helping his kid’s family farms.  Here he developed many friendships while doing the fruit market, and also with the migrant workers. (practicing his Spanish or lack thereof)

John had many surgeries and health issues in retirement but he accepted them all with grace. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.”

We will laugh at all the tricks you played onus, remember how you cared for us and showed us how to live faith in action – even though you often claimed you did not have the gift of speaking.

John, your death has left a huge void in our hearts but you are with the Lord you loved and served and you have given us an amazing legacy.  Thank you for your wonderful life.

“Auf wiedersehen” 

Beyond immediate family, he is survived by his siblings: Neta Krause, Helen Klassen, Agatha Loewen.  Survived also by his in-laws: Elizabeth Schmidt, Rudy & Elsie Siemens, Elvira Pain, Bill &  Marg Siemens, Neil & Elsie Bargen many nephews and nieces who loved and will always remember “Uncle John”

Predeceased by Korny Krause, Willy & Mary Fast, Willy Loewen, Jake & Frieda Siemens, George Schmidt and Charles Pain.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 9^th from 3-5 pm at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St. Vineland.  Due to COVID restrictions, masks will be required and all physical distancing rules will apply.  Private family graveside service will be Monday, August 10^th at St. John's Cemetery, Jordan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to MCC and Toronto Sick Kids (A hospital dear to John’s heart when his granddaughter, Kailey was helped there)