Obituary of Mano David Klassen

Mano passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2015 at the age of 100, in the Spiritwood Health Complex. Mano born on March 18th, 1915, was one of ten children. Mano had a delightful childhood enjoying the outdoors very much. School and learning was enjoyed until his left hand was tied behind his back to teach him to use his right hand. Mano schooled form the age of six until fifteen. Horses and farm work were always a big part of Mano’s life. At the age of eighteen when his father died, Mano worked and struggled along with his family through the farm debts and dirty thirties. Mrs Klassen remarried in 1938 to Mr Guenther. This union brought together a family of nineteen children. Shortly after this joining, Mano started working off the farm as well. Mano married his step-sister Tena in April 1942 and they moved to Alberta to work on a farm. Their son John was born in 1946. The following winter they purchased the homestead from his father-in-law. For the next fifty years Mano worked and farmed along with his brother in law John Guenther. Their daughter Ivie was born in February of 1950. There were many trials, and tribulations along the way. Good crops, bad crops, and HAIL. Mano loved his cattle, and was out in the corrals or pasture until he was 84. Mano loved children and children loved Mano. He had the privilege of having two grandchildren grow up in the same yard. Mano never served on any committees, he would rather go to work and get it done than sit and talk about it. He was never reluctant to tackle any job because it was too hard. A kind, quiet, loving spirit was present throughout his life. When his wife passed he missed her very much. They were married for 68 years. WE will miss Dad very much, but life has taught us that everything does eventually wear out. We are so thankful to have had Dad’s influence for such a long time. Mano is lovingly remembered by: his children: John and Charlotte Klassen, Ivie and Michael Parker, his grandchildren: April and Dean Steppan, Allan and Joan Klassen, Matthew Parker, Catherine Railton, his great grandson, Lake Steppan, two step-brothers who are also brothers-in-law: Frank (Margaret), David Gunther, his sister, Margaret Gunther, his step-sister, Nettie Dyck, his siblings-in-law: Elsie Penner, Elvin Penner and Oliver (Ruth) Heppner, numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his: parents, John and Maria Klassen, step-father, John Guenther, wife, Tena, sisters and their husbands, Tena (Cornelius) Peters, Eva (Jake) Friesen, Anne (David Dyck and Henry) Busch and Mirium, brothers and their wives, Henry (Martha and Matilda), Herman, Paul (Mary), Reuben (Elvira) and John (Elizabeth) , siblings-in-law, John (Mary) Guenther, Peter Dyck, Selma Gunther, step-sisters, Mary (Paul) Klassen, Helen Penner, Lydia (Arthur) Krahn and Hulda Heppner. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, July 17th, 2015 in the Community Hall in Medstead, SK. Donations in Mano's Memory may be directed to the Idylwild Lodge- Activities, Spiritwood, SK Those wishing to send private online condolences please visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Lori Saam, Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500