Dietrich (Dick) D. Klaassen
Born: Feburary 10, 1913
Place: Hillsboro, Kansas
Died: October 5, 1975
Place: Hesston, Kansas
Buried: Mennonite Brethren Cemetery, Hillsboro, Kansas
MOTHER:
Aganetha Duerksen
FATHER:
Dietrich A. Klaassen
SIBLINGS:
Aganetha D. Klaassen
Helena D. Klaassen
Isaac D. Klaassen
Anna D. Klaassen
Maria D. Klaassen
Louisa D. Klaassen
Tina D. Klaassen
Benjamin D. Klaassen
Eva D. Klaassen
Susanna D. Klaassen
Sara D. Klaassen
David D. Klaassen
Herman D. Klaassen
Arnold D. Klaassen
Never Married
BIOGRAPHY
Dick A. Klaassen was born to Dietrich A. and Aganetha (Duerksen) Klaassen on February 10, 1913 near Hillsboro, Kansas. Dick was born the 14th of 15 children. He lost his mother, Aganetha and sister, Louise to the 1918 flu epidemic when he was only 5 years old.
Dick (left) with father Dietrich and brother Arnold
Taken 1918 shortly after his mothers death
He received his elementary education at the Hope Valley School.
At the age of 16 he received Christ as his Savior and was baptized April 28, 1929 by Rev. P.E. Nickel and was accepted into the fellowship of the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
In 1942 he was drafted into the United States Army and served our country in the U.S. and overseas. Having been in the army, he was a member of the American Legion and this was a special joy.
After his return from service, he was employed by the Pester Implement Company, also by Buller Manufacturers in Hillsboro. He moved to rural Newton and worked at the Hesston Industry until his health failed.
Dick enjoyed nature, hunting, and gardening. Gardening was his special pride and joy. He was always ready to share the best produce from his garden.
He entered the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita on September 28, 1974 where he submitted to major surgery. It was before this surgery that he made a new commitment to the Lord. He assured us that he had confessed his sin and that he was ready for death.
During his last stay in the St. Francis Hospital, he suffered intensely. When speaking of his condition, he mentioned that he was ready to go but wondered – why does it have to be so long? He slipped into a coma Sunday morning, October 5, 1975 and went to be with the Lord at 11:40 a.m. He reach the age of 62 years, nine months and fifteen days.
He leaves to mourn his departure three brothers; David of Hillsboro, Herman of Walton, and Arnold of rural Newton; five sisters, Mary, Mrs. J.D. Thiessen; Tina, Mrs. H.D. Thiessen, both of Inman; Eva, Mrs. H.P. Brandt of Mt. Dora, Florida; Susie, Mrs. Ed P. Winter, Hillsboro, and Sara, Mrs. Art Bell of Marion. Preceeding him in death were his parents, Mr. And Mrs. D.A. Klaassen; three sisters, Agnes, Mrs. J.J. Just; Lena, Mrs. G.D. Ensz, and Anna, Mrs. H.S. Jost; and Louise; two brothers, Isaac D. and Benjamin D. Klaassen.
Dick with younger brother Arnold
NEWSPAPER OBITUARY
Dick Klaassen, 62, rural Hesston, died Sunday, October 5, 1975 in a Wichita Hospital.
He was a retired employee of Hesston Corporation.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Goertz Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Rev. Arnold Ensz of Whitewater will officiate and burial will be in the Mennonite Brethren Cemetery, Hillsboro.
Mr. Klaassen was born February 10, 1913 at Hillsboro.
Survivors include three brothers, David D., Hillsboro, Herman D., Walton, and Arnold D., Newton; five sisters, Mrs. J.D. (Mary) Thiessen and Mrs. H.D. (Tina) Thiessen, both of Inman, Mrs. Eva Brandt, Wichita, Mrs. Edd P. (Susie) Winter, Hillsboro, and Mrs. Art (Sarah) Bell, Marion.
