Benno Klassen,
October 9, 1931 — April 14, 2020

Posted on Facebook by daughter Debbie Scroggs:

Sometimes emotions are difficult to share. My heart is breaking for the loss and yet rejoicing for the joy that my dad entered today. My father, Benno Klassen passed away peacefully this morning.

Dad had a big personality, unending energy and strength, amazing leadership skills and a tender, caring heart. I always knew he believed in me and loved me – even when I messed up. His answer? “I knew it would work out.” I can still hear his beautiful bass voice singing, leading music at church and singing in a quartet. I can hear him clearing his throat at church and my siblings and I knew he was about to speak. He coached hockey, drove a school bus, taught Sunday School, farmed, chaired the school board, could fix anything, designed and built a home addition (without a blueprint) and pastored. His faith in his heavenly father inspired me many times. He was steadfast, and he was my rock.

These past few years, dementia took over and I began the journey of saying goodbye. It’s amazing how you want to hang on to someone, even when you know they aren’t really there any longer. Although Dad was a compassionate man, he seldom said the words, “I love you.” It became a family joke. End the visit with “I love you Dad” and hear him say, “The feeling is mutual.” We knew his heart.

Dad, I will miss you more than I can say. You have believed in me, encouraged me, forgiven me and shown unconditional love. I will miss you beyond words. And Dad – “the feeling is mutual!”

Debbie