Obituary of Tena Klassen

Tena Klassen was born on October 6, 2010 at Main Center, Saskatchewan to John and Maria Guenther. She was the third child of 9 kids. Tena passed away on August 8, 2010 at the age of 85 years. Tena will be lovingly remembered by her loving husband of 68 years Mano Klassen. Her children: John & Charlotte Klassen and Ivie & Michael Parker. Her grandchildren: April & Dean Steppan, Allan & Joan Klassen, Matthew Parker and Catherine & Alex Railton. Her great grandchild Lake Steppan. Her brothers: Frank (Margaret) Gunther and David Gunther. Her sisters: Mary (Paul) Klassen, Nettie Dyck and Lydia (Arthur) Krahn. Her step brothers: Henry (Mathilda) Klassen, Paul (Mary) Klassen, Reuben Klassen and John Kassen. A step sister Margaret Gunther. A sister in law Elsie Penner. Her brothers in law: Elvin Penner and Oliver Heppner. Numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by her parents John & Maria Guenther; her step mother Maria Klassen; a brother John Guenther; her sisters: Helen Penner and Hulda Heppner; her step sisters: Tina Peters, Eva Friesen and Annie Busch; a step brother Herman Klassen; her brothers in law: Peter Dyck, Cornelius Peters, Jake Friesen, David Dyck and Henry Busch; her sisters in law: Martha (Rempel) Klassen, Selma (Braun) Gunther, Elvera (Thiessen) Klassen, Elizabeth (Voth) Klassen and Mary (Mielke) Guenther Tena and her family moved to Beechy-Demaine area of Saskatchewan shortly after her birth. First her father rented a farm then he bought his own in 1926. Tena attended school at East Butte School and enjoyed if very much. In her time at school she grew to love music and her love of music continued until her last days with us. At the age of 11 Tena's mother passed away. This meant that all 9 of the kids would have to take over their mom's jobs around the house. It was not easy but they managed to pull through but unfortunately for Tena this meant no more school because of her home responsibilities. In 1938 Tena's father remarried and this brought ten more children into the family. This is when she met the love of her life Mano Klassen. They married in April, on Easter Sunday of 1942. After marriage Tena and Mano went to Alberta to work. Mano worked on the farm and Tena cooked for the boss's family. 3 years later they moved back to Saskatchewan where they bought their own farm in 1947, in Beechy, from Tena's father. They continued to farm there until 1998 when they moved to the low rentals in Beechy. There they lived until June 2010 when they moved to Medstead. Tena loved her Bible, her church and especially her Savior- Jesus Christ. She taught Sunday School for many years and sang, played guitar and harmonica in the choir. Tena's harmonica was her friend and it helped her make friends, even to her last days in the hospital. In her retirement years Tena spent many hours visiting, reading, crocheting, knitting and setting picture puzzles. The funeral for Tena was held on Monday, August 16, 2010 from the Medstead Community Hall. The interment took place from the Glenbush Mennonite Brethren Cemetery. Tena will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Beau "Lac" Funeral Home of Spiritwood has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent to beaulacfuneralhome.com 306-883-3500.