Obituary of Tillie Klassen

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Tillie Klassen, at the age of 89 , on Friday, August 25, 2023.

Tillie was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.   

She is remembered with admiration, respect and much love by her daughters: Pat (Bob) Kroeker; Nancy (Priscilla Aguilar-Hernandez) Klassen.  Tillie felt so blessed by each of her grandchildren:  she was Grandma to Joel (Laura) Kroeker;  Stefan (Stacey Paton) Kroeker; Chelsea (Calvin Eisner) Kroeker.  She was ‘Oma’ to her great-grandsons, James & Isaac.

Tillie will be lovingly remembered by sister-in-law Shirley (Ken) Reimer and family; special niece, Sandra (Jim) Reimer and family;  sister-in-law Inez Teichroew. 

Tillie is predeceased by her beloved husband, Harvey Klassen in 2022, as well as her brother Benno Teichroew and his wife Dora, brother Harold Teichroew, sister Vera Kliewer and her husband Henry, and her parents, Abram and Margaret Teichroew.

Tillie grew up in the Kleefeld area.  She lost her parents at a young age, and her care was provided by her older siblings.  Tillie married Harvey Klassen on June 4, 1955, and they had 67 wonderful years together.

Harv & Tillie loved to travel – they explored so many places together…Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Europe, South America, Australia, to name just a few.  They travelled alone, or with family and friends, and they always had a wonderful time making countless memories.

Mom worked in several banks in her lifetime and had a sharp eye for numbers and accounting.  Over the years, many boards and committees in both churches and the community, were fortunate to have her as a member. 

Mom so enjoyed life with her best friend, Harv, and together they made a wonderful team.  She was so very lonely and lost when he passed away, but in true form, she soon turned her focus outward, and continued to care for others.  She loved her family with all her heart, and was always, always there for any of us.  Grandma cared deeply about all our lives…and she blessed all of us with her gift of prayer.  Tillie was a prayer warrior in the truest sense – her faith and trust in her Lord was strong and unwavering.  She was the most faithful, genuine, supportive and caring friend anyone could ask for – and she had so many friends, of every age!

In these last years, Mom became friends with so many staff members at Maplewood and at Rest Haven, as well as with the residents she met.  Her genuine interest and care for others was a constant testimony to her deep love for Jesus.  Thank you to the Rest Haven staff for looking after Grandma so well.

A private family interment has taken place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

The celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCC – Ukraine Crisis at mcc.org.