Johanna M. Klaassen

Johanna Klaassen, age 91 of George, IA died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society in George. Funeral service will be 1:30 PM, Wednesday, Dec. 22nd at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA, with Rev. Brian Hellenga officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock. Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 21st from 2:00 " 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 " 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of George. Johanna M. Klaassen was born March 21, 1919 near Rushmore, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Grace (Kruse) Hayenga. She was raised on family farm near Rushmore, MN and attended District # 115 Country School. She helped with the family farm and provided child care for various families in the area. On February 10, 1938, Johanna was united in marriage to John L. Klaassen in Sibley, IA. They started out farming in the Little Rock, IA rural area and then the near Rushmore, MN, before moving to Sibley, IA in 1960. She worked at Willies Department Store until the store closed. She then worked as a cook for the local daycare center until she retired. On April 29, 1979, her husband, John L. Klaassen died after 41 years of marriage. She was a member of Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA. She enjoyed spending time with her family, often providing childcare for her great-grandchildren. In December of 2007, Johanna became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society in George, IA, where she remained until her this past Saturday, December 18, 2010, where she died at the age of 91. She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Strenge of George, IA; five grandchildren, Kelly Strenge of Ames, IA, Lynette (Gary) Scholten of Brandon, SD, Jolynn (Brad) Hindt of Sheldon, IA, Curtis Smith and Sharon Luong; five great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Vestie Rachuy of George, IA; and many other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Grace Hayenga; her husband, John L. Klaassen; two infant grandchildren, Sandra and Rhonda Smith; daughter, Marilyn Smith; two sisters, Stella Rachuy and Ellen Jans; two brothers, Clarence, Harry Hayenga; and two sons-in-law, Waynard Strenge and Roger Smith.