Obituary of Gertrude Klassen

Gertrude Klassen, age 90, of Grunthal, Manitoba, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

She is survived by her children Ruth, Herman (Shirley), Len (Kim), Greg (Christine), Anita (Ray), 25 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother Diedrich (Betty), and one sister-in-law Sara.

She was predeceased by her husband Peter, son-in-law Cliff Recunyk, great-grandson son Tyler Klassen, her parents Rev. Cornelius and Helena Friesen, four sisters, three brothers and several in-laws.

Mom was born in Horndean, MB.  Her family moved to Grunthal, MB., when she was around four years old. They settled on a farm east of Grunthal. She was baptized May 27, 1951, on the confession of her faith in the Spencer Bergthaler Church where she attended to the present day. She married her sweetheart on June 27, 1953. During their first couple years they lived in B.C., where dad worked in a lumber camp, and in 1956 they settled down to farm two miles west of Grunthal, where they farmed till 1985. They built their retirement home in Grunthal. Mom moved to Greendale Estate when her mobility was starting to fail, where she resided until her passing. She was known by many people as auntie Gertie, or Grandma Gertie.

Mom had several interests and served on many committees. These included hosting school farm tours, Mom enjoyed the Horticultural Society, her time as a Sunday School teacher, being on the Missions committee, being a religious instruction coordinator, and volunteering at the Steinbach Museum. She enjoyed collecting antiques and going to auction sales. Mom also gave annual school tours of her antique collection in her home. Mom and Dad worked hard but they had a love of traveling and enjoyed many trips together. Moms’ hobbies included baking, sewing, gardening, crocheting, and entertaining. She crocheted many face clothes for the OCC (operation Christmas Child) shoe boxes the past few years. Her love for God showed in everything she did.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre and all the people that came to visit her there and the home care staff that took care of her at Greendale. Special thanks to Alvera her housekeeper who went above and beyond what was asked of her. And also, Marion, her hairdresser who came every week to help make her feel and look beautiful.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Grunthal Bergthaler Church, 101 Southwood St, Grunthal, MB, with viewing prior to the service. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service.

Interment to follow at the Grunthal Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Gertrude may be made to Word of Life - Amazon Project.