Obituary of Loyd Klassen

Loyd John Klassen, age 88, passed away March 24, 2014 at Cheyenne Manor Nursing Home in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Loyd was born November 8, 1925, north of Vona, Colorado to Cornelius and Emma Klassen. He was the 7th of 9 children having 4 brothers, Paul, Dick, Ervin and Jack and 4 sisters, Edith, Doris, Mable and Helen. Loyd attended Murphy country school and later graduated Vona School. He proudly served his county in the Army of the United States from October 1944 to August 1946. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in Luzon, Philippine Islands. He also served with the 742nd Police Battalion, in Manila, Philippine Islands. He received an honorable discharge. On August 22, 1947 Loyd married Opal Fuhlendorf in Goodland, Kansas. To this union were born 8 children, Bruce, Diane, Aubrey, Marsha, Verl, Troy, Terri and Virginia. Loyd and Opal celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary together at Cheyenne Manor Nursing home. While holding hands, Loyd sang You Are My Sunshine to Opal and told her she sure was pretty! During their 66 years of marriage Loyd and Opal made their home north of Vona, Colorado. Loyd was a dedicated farmer and rancher. Loyd enjoyed restoring old motors and attended many old engine shows, sharing his love for old motors with many. He had a great love for animals and nature, often referring to many things as God’s great handiwork. Loyd and Opal lived on their farm until health issues required them to move to Burlington, Colorado. For 2 years they lived in an apartment in Burlington. During this time they had many wonderful caregivers that made it possible for them to remain together. In 2010 Loyd moved to Cheyenne Manor nursing home. He liked to sing to the employees and always had a story to tell. He was given excellent care and much love during this time. Opal joined him there 6 months later, where they were together every day! Loyd was a member of the Kirk Baptist Church, Kirk Colorado. He was a kind and caring person and loved the Lord. He enjoyed spending time with family and had many special times with the grandchildren. Loyd is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, 3 sisters, sons Bruce Klassen and infant Aubrey Klassen and daughters Diane Henry and Marsha Veit, and son-in-law John Johnson. Loyd is survived by his wife Opal, sons Verl Klassen of Stratton and Troy (Deleis) Klassen of Vona , daughters Terri Thompson of Burlington and Virginia (Johnnie) Johnson of Burlington and son-in-laws Leroy Henry of Vona and Kurt Veit of Boise, Idaho. He is also survived by a sister Helen Smart of Anacortes, Washington. Loyd will be sadly missed by 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.