Obituary for Katherina Klassen
Katherina (Kathy) Klassen was born on April 11, 1929, to Abram and Susanah Klassen (nee Enns) in Neuanlage, Saskatchewan. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith on May 27, 1953. Kathy was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 96.
Kathy was predeceased by her brother John Klassen and sister-in-law Mary; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and George Friesen, Judy Thompson, Susan and Abe Schellenberg, Anne and Joe Belton; one nephew, Andrew Belton; one niece, Avril Hughes; and one great-great-nephew, Ricky Unrau. She is survived by her sister Helen and husband Edward Hughes,10 nieces and nephews,28 great nieces and nephews, 46 great-great nieces and nephews and their families.
Kathy devoted many years of her life to teaching at Oak Hammock, Glenboro, Winnipeg, Osterwick, Lowe Farm, Winkler Elementary School and Jr Walkof School, retiring in 1988 and in 1994 she returned to do teacher evaluations. She embraced this calling with joy and a genuine love for her students. She strongly believed in the value of education and in building young minds, and she especially enjoyed inspiring her students to write poetry. Generations of children were shaped not only by her teaching, but by her compassion, encouragement, and sincere interest in her students lives. Kathy had a remarkable memory and, even in recent years, could recall specific students she taught long ago and share updates on what they were doing.
Kathy found great joy in tending her garden and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. She generously shared the fruits of her labor with family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes even strangers. She also loved traveling and experiencing new places, including trips to London, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Scotland and numerous U.S. states.
Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. Kathy trusted the Lord throughout her life, drawing strength and peace from God’s promises. She prayed faithfully for her family and spent many hours reading her Bible, which was evident in her well-worn copy. Kathy lived her faith quietly but steadfastly, offering love, generosity, and grace to all who knew her.
Kathy will be remembered as a loving sister and aunt, and a devoted schoolteacher whose life reflected faith, hope, and love. While she will be deeply missed, we are thankful for God’s faithfulness displayed throughout her life. We are grateful that Kathy slipped quietly from her sleep into the very presence of God. As Scripture reminds us, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” We take comfort in knowing she is now at rest, reunited with her Savior, and hearing the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
The family extends heartfelt thanks to John (Charlie) and Sandra Braun for being such supportive neighbors, which allowed Kathy to remain in her home for as long as she did.
Thank you to:
• The Salem Home staff for their wonderful and patient care
• To all those who took part in the committal and funeral service.
• To New Style Catering for catering the lunch.
• To Wiebe Funeral Home for their kind and compassionate care.
Katherina (Kathy) Klassen was born on April 11, 1929, to Abram and Susanah Klassen (nee Enns) in Neuanlage, Saskatchewan. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith on May 27, 1953. Kathy was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 96.
Kathy was predeceased by her brother John Klassen and sister-in-law Mary; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and George Friesen, Judy Thompson, Susan and Abe Schellenberg, Anne and Joe Belton; one nephew, Andrew Belton; one niece, Avril Hughes; and one great-great-nephew, Ricky Unrau. She is survived by her sister Helen and husband Edward Hughes,10 nieces and nephews,28 great nieces and nephews, 46 great-great nieces and nephews and their families.
Kathy devoted many years of her life to teaching at Oak Hammock, Glenboro, Winnipeg, Osterwick, Lowe Farm, Winkler Elementary School and Jr Walkof School, retiring in 1988 and in 1994 she returned to do teacher evaluations. She embraced this calling with joy and a genuine love for her students. She strongly believed in the value of education and in building young minds, and she especially enjoyed inspiring her students to write poetry. Generations of children were shaped not only by her teaching, but by her compassion, encouragement, and sincere interest in her students lives. Kathy had a remarkable memory and, even in recent years, could recall specific students she taught long ago and share updates on what they were doing.
Kathy found great joy in tending her garden and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. She generously shared the fruits of her labor with family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes even strangers. She also loved traveling and experiencing new places, including trips to London, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Scotland and numerous U.S. states.
Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. Kathy trusted the Lord throughout her life, drawing strength and peace from God’s promises. She prayed faithfully for her family and spent many hours reading her Bible, which was evident in her well-worn copy. Kathy lived her faith quietly but steadfastly, offering love, generosity, and grace to all who knew her.
Kathy will be remembered as a loving sister and aunt, and a devoted schoolteacher whose life reflected faith, hope, and love. While she will be deeply missed, we are thankful for God’s faithfulness displayed throughout her life. We are grateful that Kathy slipped quietly from her sleep into the very presence of God. As Scripture reminds us, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” We take comfort in knowing she is now at rest, reunited with her Savior, and hearing the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
The family extends heartfelt thanks to John (Charlie) and Sandra Braun for being such supportive neighbors, which allowed Kathy to remain in her home for as long as she did.
Thank you to:
• The Salem Home staff for their wonderful and patient care
• To all those who took part in the committal and funeral service.
• To New Style Catering for catering the lunch.
• To Wiebe Funeral Home for their kind and compassionate care.