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Irene posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Expressing my sympathy to the Klassen family. You were our country next door neighbors in Halbstadt. Berna, you were a
great friend, you peddling your bike down to our house to pick up a pail of milk is one of the memories that I recall from our childhood. I still have the storybook you gave me as a birthday gift. So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, may you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories of your dad. Irene Funk (Sawatzky)
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David Schellenberg posted a condolence
Sunday, May 30, 2021
I have numerous fond memories of Mr. Klassen as my teacher at the 2 room Hochstadt for my Grade 8 year. My first recollection of meeting Mr. Klassen was of his big stature; oh, he said just wait till you meet my nephews. Well when we did meet his nephews we were in awe of how big they were; they must have had a much better brand of puffed wheat and rolled oats than what we were fed. Then I remember flooding the ice rink late into the evening when there were only 2or 3 of us there; then draining the hose from the teacherage to the rink. I was very appreciative of being able to go and watch Stanley Cup Playoffs in their home. Thank you! Mr. Klassen and I both cheered for the Montreal Canadians, so we had a common bond in that. I'd like to add a few things about Mr. Klassen's coaching: In hindsight I didn't show him the appreciation that he deserved. He had a way of instilling a quiet confidence in us as individuals and also on 2 specific teams that I had the privilege to be a part of. At our year end combined picnic [Hochstadt & Gruenfeld] at the Grunthal Park, we defeated Gruenfeld in a year end fastball game; this was a first. Then in 1970-71 Mr. Klassen was an assistant coach on the Steinbach Sabres High School Provincial Championship Team. Now, on behalf of all former students,[not sure whom I should ask for permission for this part, but I thought Mr. Klassen would be OK with it] I would like to send out a Big Thank You! to Mrs. Klassen, Berna, Monica, & Keric for allowing their husband and father to invest so much in our lives by living by a high standard and instilling a quiet confidence in us to do our very best. May God continue to comfort and care for you! David Schellenberg
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Tammy Legrand lit a candle
Monday, May 24, 2021
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Mr. Klassen taught me a lesson I never ever forgot and carry with me still. He taught me not to underestimate myself and that you can do anything as long as you work hard. He truly was everything a teacher was meant to be. There are people you cross paths with that you never forget and he was one of those people. I will always remember him.
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Ernest Klassen posted a condolence
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Just want to extend the same sympathy to your family that you extended to us when dad died. Abe had so much love and respect for Ben. My favourite moments were when Ben would visit and I'd hear stories that perhaps dad would have preferred maybe I didn't hear...We can feel our childhoods fading, our histories leaving us, as our uncles, aunts and grandparents leave us and our families spin further away from each other. With each life a world vanishes, taking with it the gravity that kept us orbiting each other.
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Paula Johanson posted a condolence
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Ben was my husband's uncle, and a lasting good presence in our extended family. Thank you for good times as a family, and for sharing your news in a time when we are all unable to visit. Thinking of you all, Paula and Bernie and our twins.
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Mary Bowman (Derksen) posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Klassen family. Mr. Klassen was my teacher at the Houston North School. It was a one room school house before schools amalgamed and then became Halbstadt School. He was a wonderful reacher, had a gentle demeanor and never raised his voice. Mrs. Klassen also got involved by teaching crafts, including embroidery. She also acted as the school choir director and we presented very entertaining Christmas concerts. These bring back very happy memories and the entire Klassen family are part of them.
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Len Neufeld posted a condolence
Saturday, May 8, 2021
I first met Mr. Klassen when I was in grade 4 in Hochstadt school. Although Mr. Klassen was not my teacher, I had a fair amount of interaction with him because he was the one running the school including all the sports activities. I especially remember the time and effort he put into getting the ice made and having the older school kids flood the rink during the day.
The next time I met Mr. Klassen was when I was one of the country kids thrown into the BIG junior high school in Steinbach. It was the first year the SRSS was open, and the old high school was designated Junior High. I knew hardly no one and then when I went to my assigned home room, I was very relieved to find out that Mr. Klassen was going to be my home room teacher. And not only that, Keric was in the class as well, and he had been my classmate in grade 4 in Hochstadt. I always appreciated Mr. Klassen’s humor and kindness he showed to me during those years and made sure to say hello whenever I met him. I am grateful for his influence in my life.
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Joanne Bueckert posted a condolence
Saturday, May 8, 2021
So sorry to hear of Uncle Ben’s passing. Hearing his stories of the Klassen families upbringing was always great to hear. Ed loved when Auntie Linda and Uncle Ben would go for a drive and stop at the Whitemouth Care Home for a visit. Those visits were so very special.
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Christine Epp (nee Hauri) posted a condolence
Friday, May 7, 2021
I really enjoyed having Mr. Klassen as an English teacher at the Steinbach Junior High in the mid 1980's. He was quiet but smart and had a quick wit. My condolences to his family, may his memory be a blessing.
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brenda posted a condolence
Friday, May 7, 2021
Always a smile and lovely conversation when we saw each other. He was truly interested in what the family was up to. He was a wonderful teacher.
Ken and Brenda Krentz
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Pearl Wintoniw posted a condolence
Friday, May 7, 2021
My Condolences Mrs. Klassen and to the family. Mr. Klassen, as I know him, was one of my favourite teachers. He was my home room teacher and Math teacher in Grade 8. Always, thankful for his great teaching abilites.
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Jake Hiebert posted a condolence
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Mr. Klassen, as I still like to call him, was the individual that probably had the biggest influence in my life. When in grade 7, asked him after school one day, if I would be able to skip grade 7 and go straight to grade 8. He had to think about. Years later I found out he consulted my parents first. In his wisdom, he offered that I could take both in one year but not skip. Although I was disappointed, that was the best thing that happen because I learned to discipline myself and apply myself to getting all those assignments completed. It did matter if we were building a skating rink at the school, building backstops for baseball, etc he always let me know that he had confidence in my ability and that it would get done. Mr Klassen was more than a teacher and a mentor to me, he was my friend. H always had time to talk or explain things to me, or when he needed help, I would respond. When I got home some mornings at 5am, dad was satisfied if I told him I was at Mr. Klassen's house and we were playing "rummoli". If it wasn't for Mr. Klassen's influence in my life and the confidence he instilled, I would not have been a police officer or enjoyed all of the great jobs that lead from there. I knew that if I need a quality and honest character reference, I could depend on the this "gentle giant". He will always be my favorite teacher, mentor and friend. I will miss you, Mr. Klassen, taking solace in the great memories I made with you. Jake Hiebert
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Abe Penner posted a condolence
Thursday, May 6, 2021
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ben’s sickness and quick passing on to glory. As my teacher in Ridgewood for four years he taught me much more than the academics. He taught all of us what was truly important and how to live a good life. Later we wound up both teaching in the Steinbach Junior High and my respect for Ben continued to grow. His friendship meant more me than words can express. In later years Lorna and I were privileged to sing with him in the church group in nursing homes and have great memories of those times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Linda, and family. Ben will be missed by all of us who knew him
Abe Penner
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Don Thiessen posted a condolence
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Mr. Klassen was my teacher in Ridgewood for my grades 6 - 9. School then became what it ought to be for me for many reasons, which led to a lifetime of teaching for me as well. My condolences to you Mrs. Klassen. Thanks for helping your husband teach us music.
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Brad posted a condolence
Thursday, May 6, 2021
To the Family of MR. KLASSEN..
Words alone cannot convey my appreciation to MR. Klassen for his valuable education that he instilled in us. He challenged his students to learn more, to not settle for the simple answers but to look for the deeper meaning in all...One of my favorite memories was his rant about buying a car....."If you buy a car in the fall of 1975, its a 1975 car, not a 1976 car, not a model, not the new year car its a 1975 car because you bought it in 1975, not 1976!!!!!" We all enjoyed these little moments from MR. KLASSEN.
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Klassen, and the rest of the family.
Brad Mehling
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Marcie Fiola posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
My condolences to Ben’s family. Mr Klassen was one of my favourite teachers and I had the opportunity to tell him this on more than one occasion. He was not an intimidating teacher which made having him for home room such a great Junior High (Steinbach) year. I am truly saddened to see his obituary, as a bit of light has left this earth.
Marcie Fiola
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Audrey Frey posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Our Condolences to Linda and the whole Klassen family. Ben was a very kind teacher, and cared for his students. May the memories you have bring a sense of peace to you during this difficult time. Terry and Audrey Frey.
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Eldon posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
A great mentor, great teacher and a great neighbor to have down the street. Mom and Dad always spoke with great fondness of the friendship they had with Ben and Linda. Truly a sad day and our hearts are mourning with you but at the same time... rejoicing that he is in his eternal home (and likely playing crokinole with my dad!). I will miss his familiar "Hey Eld" greeting as only he would do and hope to hear it again some day.
Deepest condolences to you all
Eldon
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Marlene Fast posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Ben was my Geography teacher when I went to high school at the Steinbach Collegiate. His classes were never dry and boring and he was very entertaining! The only nugget of information that I recall was when he gave a 'lecture' on the cost of smoking and said that he saved over $600 a year when he quit!! (That was in the early 70's.)
And then, in 1976 I got a job as Secretary at the same school, but now it was known as Steinbach Junior High and he was a teacher there. It was awkward at first (in my mind); after all, he was Mr. Klassen and it was hard for me to call him 'Ben'. Years after I left the Junior High, I would see him periodically around town and we always had a pleasant chat.
My condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.
K
The family of Ben Klassen uploaded a photo
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
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Thursday
6
May
Private Family Funeral Service
1:30 pm
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Grace Mennonite Church
430 Third Street
STEINBACH, Manitoba, Canada
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Heritage Cemetery
395 Loewen Blvd
Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
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