J. HERSCHEL KLASSEN, 90, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday evening, November 3, 2007 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield.

Born on October 28, 1917 in Beaver, Oklahoma, he was the son of Jacob H. and Lena (Krause) Klassen. He attended rural schools in Elbing, Kansas and graduated from the Whitewater, Kansas High School.

A veteran of World War II., Mr. Klassen proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force in the medical dental department. He was united in marriage to Mildred Myers on September 3, 1944 in Whitewater, Kansas. The couple lived in Dodge City, Kansas and later San Antonio, Texas. Following his honorable discharge, the couple moved to Burns, Kansas where they farmed for 6 years. In 1952 they moved to rural Whitewater and he was employed with Vicker Oil Company. Herschel later began employment for the Kansas Turnpike where he was a supervisor in the sign shop. He retired in 1984 following 16 years of service.

Mr. Klassen was a member of the Mennonite Church before joining the Evangelical Free Church in Winfield in 1986. He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, fishing, hunting and the outdoors.

His family includes:
His wife: Mildred of Winfield, KS;
His son: Thomas S. Klassen and wife Elaine of Aurora, CO;
His daughters: Janice I. Kindt and husband Charles of Newkirk, OK; and Donna L. Bogner and husband Mark of Winfield, KS;
His daughter-in-law: Mary Klassen of Florida;
His grandchildren: Angela Gondzi, Sherman C. Klassen, Harry K. Kindt, Stevie Simpson, Derek Cunningham, Kasi Lauderdale, and Jacob L. Klassen; and
His great-grandchildren: Ejay, Jaden, Kai, Marley, Taryn, Kaitlin, Mackenzie, and Kathryn.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Sherman H. Klassen; his daughter-in-law, Diania Klassen; his brothers, Oswald and Oliver Klassen; his sister, Luella Grey; and his great-grandson, Brennan Lauderdale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 8, 2007 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Rose Valley Cemetery, southeast of Winfield. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 7, 2007. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., that evening.

Memorials have been established in Herschel's name for the New Tribes Missions and the Evangelical Free Church in Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.