HELEN KAUFMAN KLAASSEN, 84, Newton, died Friday (April 20, 2012) at the Newton Medical Center.

She was born on June 4, 1927 in Newton, the daughter of Gustav and Katie Regier Entz. Helen graduated from Hesston Christian Academy.

Helen married Jake Kaufman on April 14, 1962. He died on December 16, 1975. She later married Harry Klaassen on March 9, 1985 at the Sister Frieda Chapel in Newton. He died October 10, 2000.

Helen had been a nurses aide for seven years at Friendly Acres Retirement Community, where she later was a volunteered. She was a member of First Mennonite Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher and sang in the choir.

Survivors include her daughter Sharon Wedel and husband Gary of Burns, Ks.; brother Arnold J. Entz of Newton; and three grandchildren Matthew Wedel, Timothy Wedel and Kristyn Wedel.

Helen is also preceded in death by her parents; brothers Gus H. Entz, Bernard Entz and Aldred Entz; sisters Frieda Harder and Louise Wedel.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday (April 24, 2012) at the First Mennonite Church. Private family interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery prior to the services.

Friends may call at the funeral home Monday 1pm til 8pm where the family will receive friends between 6 and 8.

A memorial has been established with the Mennonite Central Committee, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.