Arnie Klassen

L. “Arnie” Klassen age 64 of Henderson, NE died Friday, January 7, 2011 at Henderson. Arnie Klassen was the oldest of six brothers and one sister. He was born to Karl and Sarah Klassen on January 10, 1946 in Killarney, Manitoba, Canada. His family moved to Pomona, California when he was twelve years old. He served as a sergeant in the armed forces from 1966 – 1969. He was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Upland, California where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member. He met Sandy Huebert in 1970 as her voluntary service unit was sponsored by First Mennonite Church. On June 25, 1971, they were united in marriage at Bethesda Mennonite Church at Henderson, Nebraska.

He graduated from Cal Poly University in Pomona, California with a BS degree in 1973. A daughter, Stephanie was born in December of 1975. In April of 1978, the family moved to Henderson, Nebraska. Daughter Stella was born in August of 1978 and Stacy in September of 1984. Arnie was proud to be the father of three girls.

He became a member of Bethesda Mennonite Church and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. He enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir; it was especially meaningful for him to participate in Handel’s Messiah. Arnie so enjoyed singing that he would often startle his family by breaking into song. He served on the hospital board for six years. He also was a leader of a discipleship team of men that met at his home.

Special hobbies he enjoyed were working in the garage on cars and building furniture. He enjoyed golfing as long as he was able and playing ping pong with his family. He took pleasure in spending time with his wife and daughters on various trips taken over the years. Special joys were his two granddaughters, Madalyn and Elle.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sandy of Henderson, daughter Stephanie and her husband Tom Hoffmann; daughter Stella and her husband Scott Friesen; daughter Stacy Klassen and granddaughters Madalyn Hoffmann and Elle Friesen all of Lincoln, NE.

Also surviving are his mother Sarah Klaassen of Kelowna, British Columbia; brother Rich and his wife Sharyn Klassen of Temecula, California, brother Will and his wife Jane Klassen of Irvine, California; brother Garry and his wife Patty Klassen of Alta Loma, California; brother Harold and his wife Diane Klassen of Marcus, Iowa, brother Randy and his wife Renate Klaassen of Virgil, Ontario, Canada and a sister Marlene and her husband Doug Engel of Kelowna, British Columbia and many nieces and nephews. His in-laws, Cindy Huebert of Henderson; Joan and her husband Jim Donner of Lincoln; Kathy Huebert of Corona, California; Randy and his wife Joni Huebert of Aurora, Nebraska; Jimmy and his wife Michelle Huebert of Owasso, Oklahoma; Marcie Huebert of Hastings, Nebraska and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Karl Klaassen; his parents-in-law Leo and Delorris Huebert; and brother-in-law Lauren Huebert. The family is grateful to friends, pastors and NPPD employees for their support. The family would also like to thank the Henderson Health Care Services and EMT’s for taking special care of Arnie over the years.

Graveside services were held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2001 at the Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery north of Henderson. Memorial services followed at 2:00 p.m., at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson with the Reverend Jim Voth officiating. Memorials may be directed to Henderson Health Care Service in care of the hospital.