John, beloved husband of the late Mary (Braun) Klassen passed away suddenly in Coaldale on June 19, 2020. 

He was born on April 4, 1927 in Harris, Saskatchewan shortly after his parents, Gerhard and Sarah (Penner) Klassen, arrived in Canada.  Early in his childhood the family moved to Coaldale to farm.  They attended the Coaldale Mennonite Church where John was baptized in May, 1945.  It was in Coaldale where John met Mary Braun, and they married on May 27, 1951.  They moved to the farm on Broxburn Road in 1960 and farmed there for the next 32 years.

John enjoyed the company of others. He loved to study maps and plan trips, to travel, to read and study history.  John's faith and family were both very important to him.

John and Mary moved to Coaldale in 1994.  When Mary was diagnosed with Parkinson's John took on the role of fulltime caregiver and fulfilled her wish to stay in her own home until the end.  John wanted the same for himself, and his wish was fulfilled as he passed away suddenly at home on June 19.  He spent much of his last day sitting in his backyard, under the apple tree. 

John is survived by his daughter  Linda with husband Lorne, and their son Geoff (Paula) and great-grandchildren Ava and Jonah; his daughter Charlotte with husband George, and their daughters Rachel (Jean-Louis) and great-grandchildren Em?lie and Zac; and Kristen (Josh) and great-grandchildren Kara, Nathanael, and Maren; and daughter Bev with husband Keith, and their daughters Jenna and Dana.  He is also survived by his brother George and sisters Annie, Erna, Elsie, and Irma. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary, his grandson Chad, his parents, his sisters Sadie and Mary, his brother Ron, and several brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.

The family extends their thanks and appreciation to extended family, friends, neighbours and home help for their support and assistance they have provided over the years.

Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Thursday, June 25, 2020  from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  A Graveside Service will be held at the COALDALE CEMETERY on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 11:00 A.M.