James Klassen
d. February 3, 2024
Jim Klassen, age 87, from Granite Falls, Minnesota passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the Granite Falls Care Center. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Rock Haven in Granite Falls. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Granite Falls. Interment will be at a later date at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
James Arnold Klassen was born April 26, 1936, the son of Arnold and Hilda (Zimmermann) Klassen in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. He grew up in Mountain Lake and attended school before the family moved to Luverne where Jim graduated in 1954. Jim furthered his education eventually receiving his Master’s Degree. He served his country in both the US Army and National Guard.
Jim married Jean Nelson in 1965 and they were blessed with two daughters, Kristin and Kari. He began his teaching career in Slayton, then Magnolia before moving to Granite Falls, teaching math and ending his career as the High School Counselor. Not only did Jim play basketball and baseball in grade school through college, Jim coached basketball and girls’ tennis in Granite Falls.
After devoting a number of years raising his daughters while teaching and coaching, Jim found happiness again with his wife, Kirstie in 1997. Her two sons added more blessings as Jim’s family continued to grow.
In retirement, Jim continued to give back to his community by volunteer driving, substitute teaching, teaching driver’s education, coaching girls’ tennis and school bus driving. He enjoyed watching his daughter coach and loved to travel, with Florida often being the destination.
Jim’s blessings were many and now his joy complete. He is survived by his wife, Kirstie; daughters, Kristin Klassen and Kari Klassen; step sons, Ryan (Amy) Stewart, Nathan (Amy) Stewart; grandchildren, Brylea, Abbeygale, Claire, Tiana, Kinsley; as well as nieces, other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Hilda and his brother, Richard and wife, Gloria Klassen.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
James Arnold Klassen was born April 26, 1936, the son of Arnold and Hilda (Zimmermann) Klassen in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. He grew up in Mountain Lake and attended school before the family moved to Luverne where Jim graduated in 1954. Jim furthered his education eventually receiving his Master’s Degree. He served his country in both the US Army and National Guard.
Jim married Jean Nelson in 1965 and they were blessed with two daughters, Kristin and Kari. He began his teaching career in Slayton, then Magnolia before moving to Granite Falls, teaching math and ending his career as the High School Counselor. Not only did Jim play basketball and baseball in grade school through college, Jim coached basketball and girls’ tennis in Granite Falls.
After devoting a number of years raising his daughters while teaching and coaching, Jim found happiness again with his wife, Kirstie in 1997. Her two sons added more blessings as Jim’s family continued to grow.
In retirement, Jim continued to give back to his community by volunteer driving, substitute teaching, teaching driver’s education, coaching girls’ tennis and school bus driving. He enjoyed watching his daughter coach and loved to travel, with Florida often being the destination.
Jim’s blessings were many and now his joy complete. He is survived by his wife, Kirstie; daughters, Kristin Klassen and Kari Klassen; step sons, Ryan (Amy) Stewart, Nathan (Amy) Stewart; grandchildren, Brylea, Abbeygale, Claire, Tiana, Kinsley; as well as nieces, other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Hilda and his brother, Richard and wife, Gloria Klassen.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
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