John F. Klassen, aged 80, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, surrounded by many family members at his side, including his wife and children.<br /><br />John is survived by his wife Shirley, son Kelly, wife Laurene, daughter Kerri, husband Phil. He had three grandsons: Matthew, Caleb and Tejay. He is also survived by five brothers, four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.<br /> <br />John was born on October 8, 1936, in Morris, Manitoba, to Jacob and Mary Klassen. He spent his growing up years in Rosenort, MB, and worked various jobs until he started his career as a nursing orderly at Grace Hospital in 1960. After marrying in 1965, he together with his wife moved a few times before settling in Winkler, MB, in 1975, where John continued his work at the Winkler Hospital. John worked as a nursing orderly for 30 years before he retired in 1996.<br /><br />John married Shirley Siemens on October 9, 1965 after meeting on a blind date and a brief courtship. They had two children, Kelly in 1968 and Kerri in 1970. They enjoyed many summers of camping as a family. John was a quiet, unassuming man who adored his three grandsons and was always so happy when he could spend time with them. John was a man who loved God and never missed an opportunity to share his faith or encourage others no matter where he was whether it be as a patient in the hospital or while having coffee at Tim Hortons. He also served others in his quiet way, faithfully delivering soup weekly to residents at Linden Place. He was also an avid reader all his life and recently was fascinated with books on the topic of heaven.<br /> <br />The Celebration of Life for John Klassen will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Springs Church in Steinbach, MB, with the interment at Blumenort Cemetery.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Springs Inner City or Miracle Channel.<br />donations.springschurch.com/onlinegiving.