Irwin Dan Klaassen, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022, in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of 86 years.

Irwin Dan Klaassen was born on the family farm near North Battleford, SK, November 8, 1936, the second child of John and Tina Klaassen.

In the mid-1940s the family moved to a dairy farm near Yarrow, BC.  His growing-up years were full of activity – farm work, music, sports, and the adventures that came with being the oldest of 5 boys.

He graduated from high school in Chilliwack, BC and later from MBBI in Clearbrook, BC. It was there Irwin met Amanda Born and they were married in 1960. Later that year, they moved up to Fort St John, BC, where he worked as an administrator for various oil companies eventually becoming the owner of the Shell Bulk Plant. They also helped to start the MB church and were very involved throughout all their years there, in music, Sunday School, and home Bible Studies. Three children joined their family during the 1960’s.

In 1984, Irwin and Amanda moved to Sexsmith, AB, where Irwin was the manager of the bookstore, directed the choir, and taught a few music courses at Peace River Bible Institute.  A few years later, they moved into Grande Prairie and after a lingering illness, Amanda passed away in 1988.

After a lonely year, Irwin met and married Agnes Janzen and they spent many happy years together, including several in Trinidad, teaching and encouraging churches there. They retired on an acreage south of Grande Prairie, and later moved into town, but were very active in the church and community, and enjoyed traveling – sometimes out of the country, but mostly visiting family and friends in western Canada.

Irwin was aware of his progressing dementia over the past 7 years and worked hard to keep his mind as active as possible. In the fall of 2020, due to increasing health challenges, they moved into an independent living suite.  In April of this year, Agnes had a stroke and passed away suddenly. Family, friends, and caregivers came – often at short notice to stay with Irwin until a room became available for him at the Grande Prairie Care Centre.

Val, as the nearest family member, took on an important supporting role in looking after his needs. His mental and physical health continued to decline, very rapidly in the past month, and he passed away on December 16th.

He is survived by brothers: Dennis and Gerald; children: Sherridan, James, and Valorie and their spouses; 5 grandchildren and, 6 great-grandchildren; Agnes’ children, and their families, as well as extended family and many friends.

Irwin was predeceased by his parents, older sister Pearl, younger brothers Elmer (Al) and Ken, his first wife Amanda, and second wife Agnes.

Our family is so thankful for the caregivers and visiting friends who loved and supported our father in these last few months.

A Celebration of Life will take place Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 11:00 am, at McLaurin Baptist Church, (10913 107 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7P9).

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Irwin’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2022-12-16
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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