Elmer Aron Klassen

Elmer was born on January 30, 1928, in Rush Lake, the eldest child of David and Elsie Klassen and passed away peacefully at the Cozy Nest Care Home in Dundurn, SK on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at the age of 98 years. He began his education in Biggar, attended high school at Rosthern Junior College, and later studied at Saskatoon Normal College and the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned a Bachelor of Education. He continued to pursue education throughout his life, becoming an ordained minister in his late 40s and furthering his studies at SIAST in his 70s. Education and faith remained central to his life.

In June 1951, he fractured his leg while playing in a ball tournament. A few weeks later, on July 4, he married Joyce Klassen (née Friske) at the hospital in Carrot River, where he was still recovering from his injuries. Together, they had four sons and moved wherever teaching took them, eventually settling on the farm in Northern Light.

Elmer dedicated his life to service in many roles as a teacher, principal, and farmer. He travelled to farms across the province as a pest control officer into his 90s, long after most would have slowed down. He was a strong speaker who shared steady advice and words of wisdom with his children and grandchildren.
He found joy in life’s quieter moments, enjoying a good game of cribbage and a bowl of ice cream—strawberry in particular. He and Joyce never missed an event, often arriving with suitcases in tow. His presence will be deeply missed, and there will forever be an empty chair at the table.

Elmer was predeceased by his parents, David and Elsie Klassen (née Meyer); his wife, Violet “Joyce” (née Friske); his son, Lester (Jeri) Klassen; and his siblings Helen (Otto) Fellinger, David (Darlene), and Arthur.

He will be deeply missed by his children: David (Debbie) Klassen of Saskatoon; Elmer “Fudd” (Anne) Klassen of Dundurn; and Sigfried Klassen of Esterhazy; his grandchildren Derek, Blair, Jody, Chad, Tamara, Nichole, Levi, Megan, Brooke, and Haley; his brother Henry (Shirley) Klassen of Biggar; his sister-in-law Glenna Klassen of Sonningdale; as well as 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cozy Nest Care Home for their kindness and care.

The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Bethania Lutheran Church, Northern Light District. Interment will follow at the Bethania Lutheran Cemetery. Donations in memory of Elmer may be directed to Bethania Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Marc Blondeau of Kushneryk Funeral Service, Wakaw, SK, 306-233-4403.

• Date : 2026-06-30
• Location : Northern Light, SK