Anne Klassen

Anne Klassen (nee Bezoplenko) was born May 2, 1925 in Arlee, Saskatchewan. She was the fourth of five children born to Natalie and Dan Bezoplenko. She had a special nickname of “Nussa” which was a Russian word meaning “Gift from God”.

Anne was raised on a farm and enjoyed close relationships with her sisters. The sisters would play word games, board games and dolls. Anne also loved reading and was a voracious reader until the very end of her days.

After completing high school Anne attended Business College in Saskatoon with an eye on becoming a secretary. Anne had a variety of jobs after Business College, and then attended and graduated from Briercrest Bible College, and eventually became the Secretary to the President at BBC. This is when the relationship with John blossomed. They were married on May 9, 1953 at the Saskatoon Alliance Church.

John and Anne moved several times in the early years, within Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Eventually they purchased their first home in Regina.

Children soon came after, with James, Dale, Joy and Dean.

The family moved to the Lower Mainland of BC in 1970, and Anne and John settled into raising the kids, seeing them through school and being active in ministry at Tenth Avenue Alliance Church, and other outreach organizations.

Eventually the family expanded with the marriages of James, to Ruth Florence, passed away 2015, and the marriage to Jeannette in 2023 - Daniel married to Serena (Eli), Jordan married to Jillene (Callie & Makenna); Justin married to Alexandra (Isla); Devin, stepson Mike Petkau (Tyler, Jason and Shaun); Dale married to Pamela - Matthew, Brianne married to Phil Klassen (Emmie and Hallie); Karissa married to Matt Smith (Daxton, Madilynn, Izaiah); Joy married to Elden Wiebe - Lauren married to TJ Burke (Clara, Verity, James, Eamon); Nelson married to Shelbi Haberman, passed away 2023 (Marshall); Dean married to Lynne - Jen, Becky married to Brogan Cram.

Anne and John’s retirement years were spent in White Rock before moving to Elim Village. In her later years Anne’s health took its toll and her mobility became limited, but her mind was sharp until the end.

Anne has left a tremendous legacy and we are all the richer for it.

Thank You for Celebrating with Us Anne supported many wonderful causes throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her preferred charities. (In the comments/memo box, please put in memory of Anne Klassen.)

Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited (youthunlimited.com)

Hope and Healing (hopeandhealing.org)