Stanley Eugene Klassen

Stanley Eugene Klassen, age 83, went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2026, in Walla Walla, Washington. He was born on August 11, 1942, to Otto and Eunice Klassen in Aberdeen, Idaho. The oldest of eight children, he grew up on a dairy and potato farm where he learned diligence and responsibility from an early age.

At about age seven, Stanley was working on the farm with his uncle Ralph Klassen when a stack of hay fell and buried him. Ralph was able to dig him out unharmed. That evening, his grandfather Cornelius Klassen sat him on his knee and spoke to him about the Lord’s mercy and the need to be prepared for eternity. The Lord used this incident to impress upon him the need for a Savior.

As a young man, Stanley also learned to value the privilege of being gathered to the Lord’s name. His appreciation for that privilege remained with him until the Lord took him home.

Stanley graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1960 with chemistry as his favorite subject. After high school, he continued to farm. He enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada with his brother Harold, cousins Richard and Jerry Giesbrecht, and other friends to young people’s events and Bible conferences.

In June 1967, at a Walla Walla Bible conference, Stanley met Susan Smith from Portland, Oregon. They were married on January 15, 1968. They welcomed four children over the next 13 years. Their home was marked by generous hospitality and a love for the Word of God.

Stanley was well known for his ability to solve practical problems related to farming, mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, computers, and bookkeeping. Everything he did was orderly and had to be done beyond perfect, it seemed! He used his God-given talents in a generous way to help anyone in need, often without recompense. But the chief use of his abilities, and his highest joy, was to study God’s Word and share it with others.

In 2000, Stanley and Susan moved to Walla Walla, where he worked as a carpenter. In 2007, Susan went to be with the Lord. Stanley remained a widower and suffered a stroke in 2017. He spent the rest of his time at the Oddfellows Home in Walla Walla, except for the last 11 days of his life, when he was moved to Miranda’s Home Care, where he received exceptionally kind and loving care.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of almost 40 years; three brothers (Harold, Wally, and Ted); and two brothers-in-law (Dale Kilcup and John Saint Vincent). He is survived by his four children, Ben Klassen (Colleen), Sharon Read (James), Shelah Nicoara (Sebastian), Janna Porter (Mark); 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Charles Klassen (Sallye); and sisters, Trudy Saint Vincent, Cathy Hadley (Ed), and Martha Rochon (Rob).

The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:30 PM at the meeting room located at 342 South Wilbur Avenue, Walla Walla, Washington 99362. The funeral will be preceded by a viewing at 1:45 PM at the same location.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Truth Publishers through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.