HELEN KLASSEN

HELEN KLASSEN 1947~ 2026 It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of Helen Klassen of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Marvin Klassen. Helen passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 79 years, following a courageous, hard-fought battle with illness. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Edie (Kevin) Wilburn of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Kathy Nielsen (Billy McKim) of Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Brent Nielsen of Regina, Saskatchewan; eleven grandchildren, Candace, Cody, Brandon, Amanda, Ashley, Hayley, Nicky, Katryna, Darcy, Shawn, and Casandra; ten great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Sara Dyck of Regina, Saskatchewan, and Betty Martell of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, Marvin Klassen; her parents, Helen and Dick Mah; her brother, Harry Mah; two sisters, Jean Martens and Margaret Dorazio, and two grandchildren, Bryan Nielsen and Dakota McKim. Helen was born on January 28, 1947, in Chortitz, Saskatchewan, to Helen and Dick Mah. She attended school in Prelate, Saskatchewan. Helen married Marvin on July 5, 1985, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. In 1994, they relocated to Medicine Hat from Swift Current when Helen transferred from Zellers in Swift Current to the Medicine Hat location. She was instrumental in opening and managing the Medicine Hat Zellers Restaurant. Throughout her many years at the restaurant, Helen met and befriended countless customers, many of whom became close friends and were considered family. She began coordinating supper sing-alongs for seniors, which became so popular that she eventually had to schedule two sittings. These gatherings brought many wonderful times, plenty of laughter, and lasting memories. Helen took great joy in knowing how much happiness she brought to the seniors in her community. She continued managing the restaurant until October 2012, when she assisted with the store’s closing before retiring. Following her retirement, Helen discovered numerous interests and formed many lasting friendships through her church, the Veiner Centre, Aquafit, chair yoga, and line dancing, to name a few. She also enjoyed diamond painting, reading, and watching Netflix. One of Helen’s greatest passions was the Medicine Hat Tigers. She fell in love with the team, and attending their games became a highlight of her life. Family events and other activities were often planned around the Tigers’ schedule. She knew the statistics of all the players so well that her family affectionately referred to her as their very own Bob Ridley. Helen became an avid hockey fan, and her favourite NHL team was the Edmonton Oilers. Above all, Helen was happiest when surrounded by her family or enjoying lunch at the Veiner Centre with her special group of friends. Helen was a truly special woman who was kind, thoughtful, and loving, and who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She embraced life with a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh that could brighten any room. Helen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and her special fur babies, Jovi and Jersey. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Roland Weisbrot officiating. The service will be livestreamed. Those who wish to attend virtually may visit Helen’s obituary page on our website for the link. Interment will take place in HILLSIDE CEMETERY. Those who wish to remember Helen with a donation may do so to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Canadian Cancer Society (200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5). To leave a message of condolence, you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2