Obituary of Herman (Herb) Klassen

August 10, 1945 - July 31, 2017

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Herman (Herb) Klassen who went to be with his savior on July 31, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Herb was born on August 10, 1945 to Herman and Anna Klassen in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, eldest of 11 children.  The family immigrated to Canada in 1953 and Herb attended Rosengart school in Manitoba.  He left school early to work and help support the family.   Herb was baptized in 1964 and married Mary Rempel on August 29, 1965 with whom he shared his life for almost 52 years.  Herb and Mary had 3 children and in 1978 chose to move from Manitoba to the Peace Country where they purchased a farm near Spirit River.  Herb was a farmer most of his life and loved the country life.  He was an extremely hard worker and good provider for the family.  In addition to farming he was also a skilled and talented truck driver throughout his working life.  Herb enjoyed many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing and hunting.  Herb and Mary travelled quite extensively including to the Yukon, Alaska and several trips through the United States, Mexico and Belize with their motorhome.  Herb especially enjoyed visiting Mennonite relatives and colonies in Mexico and Belize and participating in their way of life on the farms.  In 2004, Herb and Mary retired to Grande Prairie.  For many years they were home-stay parents and shared Canadian culture with students from many different countries attending college.  Herb also loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was very proud of his family.

Herb is survived by his loving wife, Mary Klassen; daughter Roxanne (Sheldon) Dobish, son Randall Klassen (Rhonda Doi), and son Kevin Klassen (Donna Peplinskie); grandchildren Lynsey Dobish (Matthew Litke), Chad (Sierra) Klassen, Curtis Klassen (Brooklyn Longmore), Kayla Oakes, Laura Smith, Kyle Klassen and Ashley Klassen; great-grandchildren Natalya Klassen and Layton Klassen; mother Anna Derksen, 2 brothers and 8 sisters as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; cousins; nieces and nephews.

Herb was predeceased by his father Herman Klassen in 1996.

A funeral service will be held at McLaurin Baptist Church in Grande Prairie on Monday August 7, 2017 at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Wapiti children’s ministries (10913 107 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7P9).

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com