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Robert John Klassen, age 87, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2020, at the Long Prairie Care Center where he has lived the past four years. His family was blessed to be able to say goodbye to him, thanks to the amazing staff who cared for him at the care center. Bob, as he was known by most people, was born on October 2, 1933 in Albion, NE to Mary (Wlaschin) and George Klassen. On June 12, 1954, he married JoAnn Klassen in Albion NE.
In February 1954, he entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged in February of 1956. After discharge, Robert and JoAnn lived and farmed in Loretto, NE until 1964 when they moved to a farm near Eagle Bend, MN where they farmed until retirement.
When Bob was not busy farming, he was active in card club, bowling, 4-H and FFA with his children. Bob and JoAnn loved spending time with their children and grandchildren. He was proud of his farm and loved having the family come to visit whenever they could. His favorite pastimes were playing cards, playing pool, and watching football. Bob and JoAnn were members of Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville for over 30 years and were happily married for 47 years until JoAnn’s passing in August 2001.
In December 2002, Bob married Emily Rachey. They enjoyed trips to the casino, playing cards and traveling to visit family. They became members of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie. Bob was also a member of The American Legion Post 12 in Long Prairie.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his wife JoAnn of 47 years, and second wife Emily, siblings: Joseph and Jerome Klassen, and grandson Ryan Lee Klassen. He is survived by his five children, Tim (Jeanne) Klassen of Little Falls, Randy (Darla) Klassen of Hillsboro, ND, Penny (Scott) Person of Maple Grove, Tammy (Tim) Bengtson of St. Cloud and Kandy (Todd) Christianson of Long Prairie.
Grandchildren: Stephanie Erickson, Michael Klassen, Tom Klassen, Danielle Johnson, Mitchell Bengtson, Breezy Bengtson, Jordan Campbell, Kristin Bowers, Tyler Christianson, MacKenzie Christianson.
Great Grandchildren: Athena Specker, Kristopher Klassen, Maegan Erickson, Haley and Evan Klassen, Gauge, Taylor, & Jaedyn Klassen ; Madden and Braylen Johnson, Bryson Bowers. He is also survived by his siblings, Merle (Janice) Klassen, Leo (Judy) Klassen, Florence Streeter and MaryAnn Hinze and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 30, 2020 at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie with Fr. Omar Guanchez officiating. Friends may call on Friday at 9:00 am for the Rosary and at 10:00 am for visitation prior to the service at the church. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, masks will be required, and social distancing will be used for seating. The service will be live streamed on the St. Mary of Mount Carmel Facebook page. Interment will be at the Christ the King Cemetery in Browerville.
Memorials to the Long Prairie Grey Eagle FFA are preferred in lieu of flowers.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Klassen, please visit our floral store.
Long Prairie Grey Eagle FFA
205 2nd Street South, Long Prairie MN 56347
Tel: 1-320-732-2194
Web: http://www.lpge.org/