Susanna (Susie) D. Klaassen
Married Name:
Susanna (Susie) D. Winter
Born: August 28, 1906
Place: Hillsboro, Kansas
Died: September 5, 1996
Place: McPherson, 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
Sara D. Klaassen
David D. Klaassen
Herman D. Klaassen
Dietrich D. Klaassen
Arnold D. Klaassen
SPOUSE:
Ed Paul Winter (12/6/1906 - 2/23/1996)
Married: August 12, 1928
Place: Hillsboro, Kansas
CHILDREN:
Floyd Allen Winter (born: 6/2/1930)
Lorena Ruth Winter (born: 2/27/1936)
Virgil Karl Winter (born: 11/29/1941)
Widowed: February 23, 1996
BIOGRAPHY
Susie D. Winter, daughter of Dietrich A. and Aganetha (Duerksen) Klaassen, was born August 28, 1906 near Hillsboro, Kansas. She was on of fifteen children born to this union; six boys, Isaac, Ben, David, Herman, Dick, Arnold and nine girls, Agnes Just, Lena Ensz, Annie Jost, Mary Thiessen, Louise Klaassen, Tina Thiessen, Eva Brandt Susie Winter and Sara Bell. She attended Hope Valley School and graduated from Tabor Academy. At an early age she received Christ as her Savior and was received into the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church in 1919.
Susie was united in marriage to Ed P. Winter, Hillsboro, Kansas on August 12, 1928. The young couple established their first home on a farm southwest of Hillsboro. They were blessed with the birth of two sons and one daughter, Floyd A. Winter, Virgil K. Winter and Lorene R. Smith.
Susie and first-born, Floyd
Susie and Ed retired from the farm in 1981 and resided in Hillsboro until January 1995. At that time, due to health problems, they moved to the Sterling House in McPherson, Kansas. They were privileged to celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary in August 1995.
Her husband, Ed P. Winter, preceded her in death February 23, 1996. Her son Virgil K. Winter, daughter-in-law Lillian Ediger Winter, and granddaughter, Judy Winter preceded her in death.
Susie was active in many church committees. She served as the coordinator of many church social meals, was president of the ladies circle, served as banquet chairman at Tabor College and was co-chairman of the church food committee at the Marion County Fair for many years. Susie and Ed also served as chairman of the food committee for church conferences held in Hillsboro. At one time over seven hundred were served at a meal. These conferences usually lasted three or four days with two meals served daily. Susie was an excellent cook and hostess for her family and friends. She enjoyed entertaining guests in their home.
Susie enjoyed Sunday School and Church services and taught on the Wednesday evening Bible studies in the children's department. She spent many hours visiting shut-ins and would read and write letters for them and help entertain them. Her willing nature and pleasing personality attracted many friends. Susie's many nieces and nephews remember her as a special aunt. Susie enjoyed the companionship that she shared with her family and friends while visiting with them. She was a great reader, much of her spare time was spent in reading, embroidering and quilting.
Susie was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother in teaching her family to enjoy the special things in life. She taught Christian morals, to work hard, and supported them in whatever they strived to do. Susie was fond of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and eagerly anticipated the time she could share with them.
Due to a car accident her life-style changed and she was left with some permanent health problems. The devotion she showed in serving and helping others shall be remembered by her family, her friends and many others in the church and community.
On September 5, 1996, Susie entered into eternal rest at McPherson Memorial Hospital, McPherson, Kansas at the age of 90 years.
Surviving members of her family include her son Floyd A. and wife Carolyn Winter, Hillsboro; daughter, Lorene R. and husband Eldon H. Smith, McPherson; daughter-in-law Cynthia Grothe, Elgin, Nebraska; and sister Eva Brandt, Wichita. Seven grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren; Rolland and Jewel Winter; Dale and Rachel Winter, children David and Erin; Kevin and Kathy Winter, children Nickolas, Beau; Denise Winter; Sherry and Jim Johnson, children Diana, Andrew, Thomas, Amy; Kristine and Gary Froese, children Brenton, Jessie, Jonathan, Daniel; Karen and Robbie Arnold, children Xavier, Mariah and other relatives and friends.
The final resting place will be at the Hillsboro M.B. Cemetery. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the many kindnesses evidenced in thought and deed for your attendance at this memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Mennonite Brethren Church Womens Missionary Service or Mennonite Central Committee or the Gideons in memory of Susie.
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For I am now ready to be offered, the time of departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them that love his appearing.
II Timothy 4:5-8
