Linda Klassen passed away peacefully Monday, February 27, 2017 at The Meadows, Swift Current, SK. She had hoped to celebrate her 100th birthday with family and friends on March 4, 2017. Linda Hulda Klassen was born at Beaver Flat, SK on March 3, 1917 to Abram & Margaretha Klassen — the fifth of twelve children in the Klassen family. Linda accepted Christ as her personal Saviour at the age of ten during revival meetings at Turnhill Mennonite Brethren Church. Despite many obstacles along the way, she maintained a firm belief that God was leading and directing her life. She was able to attend Millar Memorial Bible Institute in Pambrun, SK. This prepared her for a lifetime of service in Nigeria with SIM (Sudan Interior Mission, now Serving in Missions) — 48 years in all. At the age of 72, she was determined to return to Nigeria as she wanted to continue her work with the Fulani people. Linda worked in the Fulani Camp from 1988 – 1992. She retired to Swift Current, SK to be close to her family and friends. She made a final visit to Nigeria from December 1993 to April 1994. Linda still had regular contact via telephone and email with her friends in Nigeria. As she adjusted to retirement, her outreach work continued — especially with her neighbours in the apartment building she called home. Her door was always open and she welcomed friends and family into her home, sharing the love of God with all who would stop by. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Abram & Margaretha Klassen; her siblings, David (Lydia) Klassen, Elsie (Herman) Klassen, Ed (Luella) Klassen, Katie (Dan) Klaassen, Ernie (Irma) Klassen, Frank Klassen, and Helen (Graham) Wotherspoon; and by her sister-in-law, Frances Klassen. She is survived by her siblings, Susanna Fortman, Ruby (Al) Kleps, Gladys (Art) Yerex, and Archie (Olga) Klassen; and by many nieces, nephews and their families. Linda wrote, “Heaven is not so much about meeting friends and loved ones, it’s all about Jesus. I want to meet my Saviour first of all. It’s all about Him, and I’ll worship Him. Nothing else will matter.”
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and “It Will Be Worth It All” were sung by the congregation with Verna Andres serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Archie & The Boys, who sang “How Great Thou Art” and “I’ll Fly Away.” The eulogy was given by Bill Stregger (SIM). Tributes were given by Myra Zacharias, Fern Prefontaine, and Jewel St. Laurent. The ushers in the church were Max Mirau and Don McElheran. The Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Turnhill Cemetery, RM of Excelsior, SK with Bruce Klassen, Larry Klassen, Wade Klassen, Todd Klaassen, Troy Weppler, and Lane Forbes serving as Pallbearers. In memory of Linda Klassen, donations made to Gideons International and Millar College of the Bible would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com