Katharina “Tina” Elias (nee Klassen)

1909 - 2008 

On Monday, February 25, 2008 at Salem Home in Winkler, MB Tina Elias aged 98 years formerly of the Edenburg district and Winkler went to her eternal rest. 

Mother, grandmother and great grandmother was born to her parents, Peter F. and Anna (nee Krahn) Klassen on March 4, 1909 at Haskett, MB.  At age six, she moved with her parents to the village of Blumenfeld, MB where she spent her youth and received her limited education. 

Upon confession of faith she was baptized on May 27, 1931 by Aeltester Peter A. Toews and received as a member in the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church at Reinland, MB.

On November 2, 1941, she entered into holy matrimony with George W. Elias of Haskett.  As a young couple, they farmed in the Blumenfeld area until April 1945 when they moved to the Edenthal district east of Gretna, MB operating a mixed farm.  In 1965, they gave up farming and semi retired to the town of Winkler.

Following the passing of dad, mother remained in her house being active in gardening, housekeeping and Bible study groups until October of 1992 when for health reasons she moved into the Autumnwood ll Apartments.  It was here where she experienced a number of light strokes as well as other medical encounters.  In October of 2002, she entered Salem Home where she remained a resident to the day of her passing.

Mother was an independent individual, hard worker, a real fighter and an ardent prayer warrior.  She took great pride in her garden, cooking, baking and hand work.  She was also a people person who loved to have friends over to share a meal or her baking with coffee.  Indeed, the words “Kommt amol hann” ever so often crossed her lips.  She was an active member of ladies aid groups and a regular attendee at various Bible study groups.

She enjoyed relatively good health for the greater part of her life.  During the summer of 1984, she experienced stomach pains.  With medication, she managed to keep this situation under control til February of 2001 when she underwent major abdominal surgery and we as a family felt the end might be near.  However, by the grace of God, she bounced back remarkably well.  She made similar remarkable recoveries on a number of occasions when further medical complications set in following her move to Autumnwood ll Apartments and Salem Home.  In April of 2003, she fell and broke her hip.  The fall had a major impact on her life in that she lost her independence and was confined to a wheelchair.  Yet with unlimited determination, she managed to overcome this setback as well.

Since mother was deprived an education, she made many sacrifices for her family so they might advance for the betterment of their lives.  It was truly a highlight for her to see three of her grandchildren achieve post high school academicals and a grandson advancing in the aviation industry.  She also expressed great delight that she was able to attend the baptism and weddings of each of her grandchildren.


Mother leaves to mourn her passing:

Two sons:

-granddaughter, Jacqueline and Gregory Chase of Regina, SK and great grandson, Zachariah

-grandson, Timothy and Kara Elias of Winnipeg, and great grandchildren, Micah, Torasia, Katie

One daughter:

-granddaughter, Corissa and Tim Wiebe of Winkler and grandson, Cole

-grandson, Farrell and Janelle Krahn of Winnipeg

As well as:

-son-in-law, Alfred and Marie Klassen of Winkler

-sister, Anna Reimer of Blumenfeld (Wilhelm W.)

-brothers, John P. and Ann Klassen, George P. and Neta Klassen, both of Winkler

-brother-in-law, Jac D. Klassen of Winkler

-sisters-in-law, Mary Klassen (Frank P.), Ann Klassen (Bernhard P.), Mary Klassen (Peter P.), Katherine Klassen (Jac D.), Elizabeth Elias (John) all of Winkler

-numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends

She was predeceased by:

Her parents:

Her beloved husband:

One Daughter:

As well as:

-brothers, Frank P. Klassen, Bernhard P. Klassen, Peter P. Klassen

-sisters, Helena Elias (Henry P.)

-brothers-in-law, Wilhelm W. Reimer, Henry P. Elias, Wilhelm Elias, John Elias, Cornelius C. Reimer, Peter G. Elias

-sisters-in-law, Mary Reimer (Cornelius C.), Katherine Elias (Peter G.)

-stepbrothers-in-law, Frank Kehler, Peter H. Martens, John J. Driedger

-stepsister, Elizabeth Driedger (John J.)

-stepsister-in-law, Mary Martens (Peter H.)

In April of 2007, mother had a vision. In it she heard the most beautiful choir singing.  “We won’t teach our God anything,” she said.  “It is not enough to be upright, we have to proceed all the way.  Who would believe it was too beautiful.”  Today, she is part of that choir!

Funeral service was held Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 11:00 am at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church 252 6th St.  Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery. 

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Tina’s memory to the Family Life Network (Low German Ministries) 225 Riverton Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2L 0N1.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.