John David Klassen

February 26, 1946 – December 27, 2019

It is with sadness that the family of John Klassen announce his passing on December 27, 2019 at the age of 73 years. John was born to Meno and Tena Klassen on February 26, 1946 in Herbert, Sk and grew up on the family farm in Beechy.  After graduating from the Beechy High School in 1964 he attended Bethany Bible Institute for three years, then went on to Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, MB.  On July 20, 1968 John married Charlotte Lepp in St. Catherines, Ont. They continued their life together in Winnipeg, where John received a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1972, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg in 1973. After University, they moved to the farm in Beechy, where their two children April and Allan were born. Over the next 25 years John farmed with his dad and uncle. During this time he became active in church as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, church council member, and as church moderator for 7 years. He was also captain of Boys Battalion and occasionally spoke in various churches. In the community, he was active on the Beechy Hospital Board as member and chairman, and also chairman of the Ambulance Board. He served on the Community Pasture Advisory Board for 8 years.  Over the years he took courses in calving management, Farm Chemical Safety, Basic Carpentry, Basic Electrical Wiring for farms, Income Tax Preparation and accounting. Further a field, he served on the MCC Peace and Social Concerns Committee for 6 years, 3 years as chairman. He was actively involved with MCC Swift Current Relief Auction for 13 years, 5 as chairman. His hobbies included reading, puzzles, photography, gardening, assembling miniature models – airplanes, cars and he had a significant HO railroad and John Deer Tractor collections.  In 1999 John and Charlotte moved to Medstead where John pastored the Glenbush MB Church until 2008. Charlotte’s health deteriorated and after cancer treatments and back surgery she passed away October 18, 2016. John’s devotion and care for Charlotte was deep and steady to the end. John was a wonderful husband to his sweet wife of 48 years and loved her immensely.  During these years John worked at various jobs in the area: farm work, accounting, Medstead Hometown Grocery, Canada post and part time Water Plant Manager where he was a friend to all in the neighbourhood.  In June of 2017 he met Dian Southwick. and they were married on November 25, 2017. One month later, John was diagnosed with stage four cancer. This short marriage was one of sweet love and deep devotion. John entered heaven’s gates December 27, 2019.  More importantly than what he did though was who he was, John was a farmer and his happy place was anywhere out in a field watching what God would develop under his care. He was a teacher in many capacities. He was a leader and excellent example of God’s love to those he came in contact with.  Though he loved photography, anything to do with numbers, gardening, and working with his hands; when he was asked about his greatest accomplishments it was his children who made his heart full. His love and pride in April, Allan and his grandson Lake was always evident.  He would also want you to know that he loved you all. He was a friend to everyone and maintained fabulous relationships with many people. He was a man of integrity and unwavering love to those around him. His dearest challenge was as a pastor where he taught, prayed for and blessed those who came to learn and listen. He did this with a devotion typical of his whole life. One of his most remarkable characteristics though was his solid and steadfast walk with God. His greatest desire was to share the gospel with all who need it. Like an oak, his roots were deep and he was unwavering in his love for God. This blessed devotion carried him through to the last day of his life. His life was well lived, and it was well with his soul.  John will be greatly missed by: his wife, Dian Klassen and her children and grandchildren, his daughter, April (Dean) Steppan , his son, Allan (Joan) Klassen, his sister, Ivie (Michael) Parker and their children: Matthew and Catherine, numerous other relatives and friends that also share the loss of a loving and truly honourable man. He is predeceased by: his wife of over 40 years, Charlotte Klassen, his parents, Meno and Tena Klassen (nee Guenther).  Funeral Services were held Saturday January 11, 2020 from the Medstead Community Hall, Medstead, SK with Pastor Monty Buhler officiating.  Interment took place in the Glenbush Mennonite Brethren Cemetery prior to the funeral service.  Memorial Donations may be made to Spiritwood and District Long term care Facility, Spiritwood, SK in memory of John Klassen as tokens of remembrance.   Those wishing to send online condolences are invited to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mark Muir of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Spiritwood, Sask. (306) 883-3500.

• Date : 2019-12-27
• Location : Spiritwood, SK