"If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."      - Author Unknown

Dan was born to Pete and Erna Klassen on June 5, 1957, in Morris, Manitoba.

At the age of three, Dan moved with his family to the land of Mennonites and Opportunity, Kola, Manitoba. Dan was the youngest child with two older sisters. In Kola, two sisters and a brother were added to the family. After the death of his father in July 1972, Dan quit ninth grade to work and help run the family farm.

Dan had a great career and explored lots of opportunities. He got his foot in the door with his first truck driving job at Penner Lumber hauling lumber out of BC. Close friends and family influenced and encouraged him to expand his possibilities. He landed his dream job running double for Schneiders Meats. That job had amazing benefits, including an endless supply of Hot Rods. In 1983, Dan moved to Calgary and began working in the heavy-haul industry at Burnell, followed by Volker Stevin and Premay, where he bought his first and last Pete. From there, he worked at Transtech, where he upgraded to a Kenworth! At Singer Specialized he transitioned to driving a desk and hauling a stapler. Next was Entrec and finally landed at Mammoet in 2015, were he worked until the day before he passed away.

Kathy caught his eye by "accidentally" pouring coffee on his hand at church. This immediately led to their first date at a preseason Flames game in the fall of 1985. After a very short courtship, they married on June 28, 1986, in Minitonas, Manitoba, then made their home in Calgary, Alberta.

Dan's children were his proudest accomplishment. Brendan was born in July 1990, and Tayah was born in January 1994. He was a fierce provider and protector, ensuring they never had to worry. Dan taught his children responsibility, accountability, the value of hard work and how to show love through actions and words.

Dan was first diagnosed with lymphoma in August 2023. He underwent a successful stem cell transplant and was cleared of cancer in February 2024. Sadly, the cancer returned aggressively in late May, and he rapidly declined but fought hard to the end.

Awaiting on the other side with open arms are his mother Erna, father Pete, nephews Joshua and Robbie, niece Carmen and Kathy's parents, Robert and Ruth Gust.

Dan will be remembered lovingly by his wife Kathy of 38 years, son Brendan and his wife Brittany, daughter Tayah and her husband Chris. Dan will also be remembered by his siblings Virginia Janzen (Abe), Marilyn Kroeker (Terry), Beverley Plett (Lyle), Ken Klassen (Sherry), Michele Collins (Peter), brother-in-law Calvin Gust (Beth), sister-in-law Janet Collier (Irv), along with many nieces and nephews.

The Service will be livestreamed. Click HERE to view the LIVESTREAM .