Arlene Ruth Klassen, 85, of Hesston, passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston surrounded by family.
Arlene was born on Nov. 14, 1935, in Goessel, to Simon W. and Linda (Boese) Schmidt. She graduated from Goessel High School in 1954 and she took Early Childhood classes at Bethel College and K-State. Arlene married Dwane Klassen, the love of her life, on March 4, 1957.
Arlene enjoyed making her house a home, baking for her family and friends, hosting dinner parties and telling stories. She also enjoyed singing, photography, doting on her grandchildren and traveling with family. Arlene worked as a mental health worker at Prairie View in Newton Kansas for 20 years. She was a member of Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, 4H, the Forest Service Wives Club and president of the Colonial Oaks Garden Club.
Arlene devoted her life to serving the Lord and spreading His love and Good News by volunteering in many different capacities. After marrying Dwane, they volunteered with the Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Junior Village in Washington, D.C., and in Huron, Calif., they ministered to the migrant workers. Additionally, she taught Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, assisted with the Billy Graham Crusades and facilitated Bible studies.
Arlene is survived by her three daughters, Elizabeth Hodgson of Dacula, Ga., Katherine Garber (Gyles) of Newton and Gretchen Brooks (Tony) of Arvada, Colo.; her grandchildren, Brittany Atkins (Cody), Brooke Llena (Ben), Brian Hodgson (Lesly), Matthew Garber (Callie), Nathan Garber, Caleb Garber, Isabelle Brooks and Justin Brooks, and her great-grandchildren, Parker, Jaxson and Klaire Atkins, and Tyler Hodgson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwane Klassen, parents, Simon and Linda Schmidt and sister-in-law, Agnes Schmidt.
Visitation was Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel. Graveside service to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Navigators, a Christian discipleship organization or the Sjogrens
