John A. Klassen, 71

John A. Klassen died unexpectedly at home in Whitefish on Aug. 3, 2016, at the age of 71.

John was born on Nov. 9, 1944 in Canby, Minnesota, and grew up in Dilworth. He earned a degree in music at Minnesota State University, Moorhead. After graduation, he was accepted into the United States Army Field Band and was promoted to the Jazz Ambassadors. After his four years of service, John taught in Rothsey, Minnesota, and Poplar before settling in Whitefish.

 In 1990, he married Susan, gained two stepdaughters, and they moved to their ranch, where together they transformed it into their perfect paradise.

Similar to many others in his family, John was a carpenter and became an accomplished wood worker. He spent his free time building many items, including cedar strip canoes and intricate wooden toys. Other passions included caretaking the ranch (no weed was safe in his presence), horseback riding, and canoeing. Each year, he looked forward to returning to his rustic Minnesota lake cabin and maintaining his lasting friendships.

John was an avid reader and lifelong learner in multiple languages. In his travels, he never encountered a used bookstore that he did not like.

John (aka “Papa K”) taught band for many years in Whitefish, where he shared his love of music, set high expectations, and helped his students to not only meet but exceed those expectations. He retired in 2006, but kept in touch with many of his students, as he was more than just a teacher but also a friend. John will be greatly missed by his students, his friends, his animals, and most of all his family.

John is survived by his wife Susan, stepdaughters Amy Winslow and Lisa (Jared) White, grandchildren Hudson and Hadley, a sister Jane Klassen, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham and Helen.

An open house is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Klassen home. A similar event will be held in Minnesota at a later date. As his family, students, colleagues, and friends gather, it is expected that one will hear many stories reflecting John’s dry sense of humor, optimistic outlook on life, and his unconditional acceptance of all he knew.