Mary Klassen (nee Dyck)

Peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023, Mary Klassen passed away at West Park Manor in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 90 years.                                            

Left to cherish the memory of Art and Mary Klassen are their children: daughter Marilyn (Dale) Klassen-Woodkey of Plugerville, TX and grandchildren Josh and Jordan, daughter Debra (Greg) Barratt of Winnipeg, MB and grandchildren Mariell, Robin and Arden, daughter Kimberly (Brent) Sigurdson of Grand Forks, ND and grandchildren Charlie, AJ and Katie, daughter Patricia (Kelly) Klassen-Morton of Winnipeg, MB and granddaughter Kalan; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  She was predeceased by her husband Arthur, parents Peter and Mary Dyck, sisters Anne and Tene and brother Peter.

Mary in Plum Coulee, Manitoba, July 6, 1933.  She met the love of her life at a baseball tournament while Art was coaching the opposing team.  Mary and Art were married on Sept 6, 1953 and started their lives together in Vermillion Bay, Ontario, before they moved to Altona, MB.  This was where daughter number one, Marilyn was born.  A few years later Art and Mary moved to Winnipeg (East St. Paul), and the family continued to grow, Debra, daughter number two, and Kimberly, daughter number three were born. The next move came when Art and Mary were able to purchase a bulk oil agency in Morden, MB, where daughter number four, Patricia was born.  Art and Mary made friends everywhere they moved. They spent many years living in Portage la Prairie, MB, where they were very involved in the community. Both Art and Mary loved singing in the Trinity United Church Choir. In addition to participating in church events, they were very involved with the Rotary Club and the Portage Golf Club. Mary’s green thumb could be seen in almost every flower garden surrounding the golf course. In retirement, they enjoyed many winters in Texas where they were able to visit with family, spend time golfing and appreciating the warm weather.  Art and Mary Klassen will be remembered by those who knew them as very kind and generous, loving parents, grandparents and friends.

Celebration of Life for Art and Mary Klassen will be held at Trinity United Church on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm, led by Wilma Shirriff.  Interment will take place at Rosenfeld Village and District Community Cemetery.  The service will be livestreamed, to view click on link below.

We would like to thank family, friends and neighbors for their kind wishes and support. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation on behalf of Art and Mary to Manitoba, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba - 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1V1, West Park Manor - 3199 Grant Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3R 1X2 or the charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com