We Remember

KLASSEN, Gertie

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Gertie Klassen (nee Guenther) of Kelowna, BC passed away peacefully at Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna on June 1, 2016 at the age of 67 years after recently being diagnosed with a terminally life altering cancer which Gertie fought with dignity and immense strength and hope. Gertie was born on August 21, 1948 to Jacob and Tena (Wall) on the family farm near Aberdeen, Sk. Gertie was a compassionate, caring and loving individual. Gertie lived her life as a devoted Christian in all that she did and to all those that she met along the way. Her faith and her daily devotion to the Lord was her pillar of strength while enduring many health related trials and tribulations in her life, with the support of her family and her faith in the Lord she always remained optimistic and saw the good in everyone and appreciated everything she had been blessed with. She would often comment that even while battling her own health issues that there was so many others in the world that were battling tougher issues and she prayed for them daily. She was truly grateful for the compassionate care she received by the numerous doctors, nurses and therapists while in the hospital and at the hospice house and she thanked them endlessly for helping her with controlling her pain and felt blessed to have so many good people taking such good care of her physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. She also appreciated everyone for making the long or short treks to visit her and cheer her up and appreciated all the prayers, calls, cards, letter’s, gifts and treats.

Gerties passion for gardening and cleaning guided her a path to employment at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon in housekeeping which also led her to commercial and residential cleaning. Eventually her passion for keeping everything looking bright and clean guided her and her husband John to start their own carpet cleaning business Du-All Cleaners which they established in 1998 and worked right up to January 2016 when Gertie fell ill. Their customers were always left amazed by their superior workmanship and attention to detail and Gertie always went above and beyond what was expected of her and this quality never went unnoticed. They will have a lot of clients that will miss her cheery disposition and hard work ethic.

Gertie married John Klassen on July 26, 1969 and would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this year. After living in Saskatchewan for most of their early married life they made the decision to move to beautiful Kelowna, BC on September 1, 1992 and were very pleased with the decision to do so. With the warmer climate and beautiful landscape and mountainous view, she enjoyed going to the orchards every spring, summer and fall especially when family and friends came to visit. She prided herself on her love of the Okanagan and said that would always be home to her. She and John travelled to numerous Blue Grass Festivals throughout BC and Alberta and enjoyed the scenic drives to various Church Musical celebrations and fellowship. She loved playing a variety of card games and board games and many can recall her passion for one of her favorite games “Aggravation”.

She will be sincerely missed by all who knew her. Gertie is predeceased by her father Jacob Guenther and her son Kenley Klassen and a stillborn daughter deceased on November 5, 1976. Gertie is lovingly remembered by her husband of 46 years John Klassen; her son Dinolan (Candice) Klassen of Saskatoon; grandchildren Colton and Kimberly Klassen; her mother Tena Guenther of Warman, SK; her sisters Tena (Allen Baerg) of Windom, MN, Barbara Wiebe of Okotoks, AB, Ann(Randy) Fehr of Warman, SK, Mary (Dennis Letkeman) of Martensville, SK, Marge (Curtis) Daniels of Saskatoon, SK; brothers Aaron (Linda) Guenther of Aberdeen, SK, Frank(Liz) Guenther of Warman, SK, John(Marilyn) Guenther of Warman, SK, Henry(Carol) Guenther of Warman, SK as well as numerous brothers and sisters in law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Funeral Service in honor of Gertie will be held on Friday, June 10, 2016 at the Church of God, 3705 Mission Springs Drive, Kelowna, BC at 10:00 am, with Pastor Rod Tribiger presiding. Interment to follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery located at 1991 Bernard Avenue (East of Spall Road). Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations in Gertie’s honour to Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6. In lieu of flowers as well as donations will be accepted at the funeral for those who would like to contribute.

Those unable to attend are invited to sign an on line guest book for Gertie at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Friday, June 10, 2016 at 10:00 am

Location
Church of God

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Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for KLASSEN, Gertie is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2016 at 10:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Church of God

3705 Mission Springs Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • kathy (wall) peters says:
    June 3, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    My deepest sympothy to the whole family, didnt know Gerty well but she is my cousin, prayers are with you all on this day

    Reply
  • Bill & Gloria Peters says:
    June 3, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    We know that Gertie will be truly missed by all. We will never forget the hours we spent playing cards with John & Gertie which was truly a pleasant memorable experience. Please accept our condolences.
    Bill & Gloria Peters

    Reply
  • David Heaslip says:
    June 6, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    John–
    -So sorry to hear of Gertie’s passing. We were privileged to have you as our carpet cleaners and also to get to know you both at the Senior’s Retreat’s concerts at Gardom Lake. May the Lord be your comfort in this time of sorrow. David and Ann Heaslip

    Reply
  • Jane Fitz-Gerald says:
    June 7, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Dear John & Family: Our staff here at Community Futures extends our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of Gertie. Yours was a business success story for our Self Employment program. We enjoyed working with you both and know that Gertie will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.

    Reply
  • Adrienne Jean says:
    June 8, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    I met Gertie and John through their business and good friend Florence. I found Gertie to be diligent in her work with John, and a delightful person to spend time with. I was very sad to hear of her illness and passing. My prayers and sympathy go out to you John and your family. I understand the depth of your loss.

    Reply

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