Rudolph “Rudy” Arthur Klaassen
July 15, 1940 - March 3, 2026

Rudy was born on July 15, 1940, to Paul and Susanna at home near Herbert, Sask. He was the fifth born of seven (Edith, Ralph, Howard, Maria, Frank and John). He started school in 1947, where he walked or drove his horse the two-and-three-quarters miles to school. He grew up surrounded by 20 first cousins as well as aunts, uncles and grandparents.

In 1957, Rudy caught a train from Saskatchewan to Alberta, where he ended up in Brooks with only $7.65 in his pocket. He returned to Saskatchewan, and in 1961 his family moved to Alberta. He attended Prairie Bible School for a year and then went on to become the produce manager at IGA in Brooks. Rudy and two of his brothers were raising sheep and rabbits together.

He moved to Dovercourt in 1967. He worked at The Bay as well as farming with his brothers. He met Doreen Thompson in January of 1969, and they were married in October of the same year. They have two sons (Dalan and Lane). He worked at the IGA in Rocky for several years as the produce manager. In 1981, he and Doreen started and ran a janitorial business for 20-plus years. 

Rudy and Doreen were married for 56 years. They had a strong partnership and supported each other through all of life’s good and bad moments. 

Rudy and Doreen have three grandchildren (Justin, Kacey and Sarah). Rudy greatly enjoyed and adored his grandchildren, and spent countless hours with them camping, fishing, playing games and telling stories. He, Doreen and Lane built a cabin on Lane’s property in 2007, and he spent many hours camping there with his family. He was fortunate enough to meet his great-granddaughters (Wave and Ariella). He was an amazing papa, and will be greatly missed by his grandkids.

Rudy and Doreen took numerous bus trips together, which they thoroughly enjoyed. In his retirement, he enjoyed ice-fishing and camping, and later took up wood carving. He enjoyed telling stories and playing the harmonica for his family. Rudy was well-known to be an exceptionally kind, humble and compassionate man. He was always the first to help anyone who needed it. He was strong in his Christian faith and appreciated his church community. Rudy was the best dad and papa any family could ever ask for.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife Doreen; sons: Dalan and Lane (Karen); grandkids: Justin (Kait), Kacey and Sarah; great-granddaughters: Wave and Ariella; and brothers: Frank and John.

A celebration of life will be held at the Rocky Mountain House Church of the Nazarene, 5340 - 59 Ave., Rocky Mountain House, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Lunch to follow.