Jake Klassen

It is with bitter-sweet sadness that we share the passing of Jake Klassen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Jake went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 11, 2023 at the age of 97. He passed away peacefully with family by his side.

Jake was born January 11, 1926 in Greenfeld, USSR to Jacob and Margaret Klassen. He immigrated to Canada with his parents and younger brother Johnny in 1929, eventually ending up in the Sunnyslope area. He was the eldest of 11 children. After finishing the eighth grade, he worked hard to help support his family by hauling milk to the cheese factory and farming.

He met the love of his life, Erma Toews, at church youth group. They married October 18, 1947. After spending their first year of marriage in the CC Toews shack, they moved to their farm west of Sunnyslope which they had purchased from Jake’s father. They worked hard and raised six children there, Janet, Rose, Paul, Karen, James and Donna. The first years of farming were difficult due to seven years of hail damage but Jake supplemented their income with a building moving business he ran with his brother-in-law Fred.

Jake and Erma were faithful servants to their church, their community and their neighbors. They were hardworking and generous in every way. Jake loved hunting and fishing with friends and was always active in different sports. After his retirement in 1989, Jake and Erma moved to Linden. Jake served as a village counselor there for several years and helped start the senior’s slow-pitch team which he loved and played in well into his 80s.

In 2020, Jake moved into the Westview Care Community to be with his wife Erma; she passed away less than four months ago in October 2022. He missed her dearly.

Jake will be lovingly remembered by his family: brothers Cork, Tony, and Art; sisters Erna, Mert, Eileen, and Frieda; his children Janet (John) Toews, Rosalie McCulloch, Paul (Dana) Klassen, Karen (Trevor) Hannah, James (Janice) Klassen, and Donna (Darin) Esau; 42 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; and many extended family members and friends.

Jake was predeceased by his loving wife of 75 years, Erma; sisters Mary and Kay; brother Johnny; grandchildren Carol and Craig; son-in-law Miles; and great-grandchild Riley.

He will be greatly missed.

We would like to extend our deep appreciation to the Westview Care staff.