ANNIE (ANNE) KLASSEN -

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ANNIE (ANNE) KLASSEN 1925 - 2005 Born on April 19, 1925 in Schoenenburg, Russia to Frank and Nettie Issac, Annie was the youngest of three siblings to survive infancy. Her parents along with herself and her brother Frank and her sister Nettie (the eldest), immigrated to Canada when she was six months of age. Raised in a rural community near Gretna, MB, her parents had three more children, Jake, Herman and Menno (respectively). She attended grade school at Silberfeld School, then Elim Bible College then Mennonite Collegiate Institute (Gretna, MB) and got her teaching certificate at Winnipeg Teacher's College in 1948. Annie then taught at Arran School in New Bothewell, MB and continued teaching full-time for the next 14 years at various schools throughout rural Manitoba and one year in Picacho Mexico. In 1963, she met Daniel Klassen and married that year and resided in Lac Du Bonnet, MB where Daniel farmed. In 1965 and 1966 they adopted two infants, Mark and Mary-Ann, respectively. In 1969, Daniel sold his farm, and they relocated just outside of Portage la Prairie, MB. It was here they opened their home to receive numerous foster children. In 1974 they relocated to Mexico for ten months, in the service of the Lord, along with their two adopted children. Upon return to Portage la Prairie, Daniel and Annie released Annie's first publication, The Tribe of Dan (1975) which chronicled their pre-Mexico experiences and then Mountains Removed (1976) a sequel to Tribe of Dan, primarily of the mission trip to Mexico. Subsequent books followed Great Things He Hath Done, Cleansed by His Blood, Under God's Wings and 30 Christian Plays. During those years, Annie worked for home care and was involved in many church-affiliated organizations, including Christian Women's Club and Friendship Bible Coffee. Annie and Daniel worked together within the community ministering to others, through The Portage Evangelical Church and independently from their home, with focus on visitation to the elderly. They also hosted a public access television show which centered on their faith and sharing the gospel. In the summer of 2004, Annie's health deteriorated rapidly, but she continued to be a blessing to all those around her, from her six month stay at Portage General Hospital, to her stay at Douglas Campbell Lodge where she passed away 10 months later. Annie was a devoted and loving wife and mother and a caring friend to many. She will be best remembered for her love for Jesus, her kind spirit, her modest and loving nature and her love for others (especially children). Her Bible story telling will not be forgotten nor her zeal to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all whom she came in contact with, her desire to see others blessed by God and happy in their lives always took precedence. Annie has been an inspiration (both in sickness and in health) to thousands and will be missed very much. Thanks to the many friends and family who have supported Annie through her life and during this difficult time. A double rose (as Annie would say), to those caregivers at Portage General Hospital and Douglas Campbell Lodge. We love you Mom. We will not forget you. Your words, your friendship, your kindness and laughter will always live in our hearts. Funeral Service was held at Highway Tabernacle on Sunday, July 17 at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Glen Loewen led the service. Interment followed at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Family and friends gathered together the reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall served by the ladies of the Portage Evangelical Church. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Annie's memory to the Gideon Bible Plan, 705 8th Street NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3L4 or to Portage Evangelical Church Building Fund, 502 5th Ave. NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0E6. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Annie by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2005