Herman Kleissen, beloved father of Nina (Dennis) van den Munckhof and Tessa Kleissen passed away Friday, September 26, 2025 while at home on his farm north of Chin, Alberta.

Herman was born January 21st, 1949, in Albergen, Tubbergen, Overijssel, the Netherlands, to Herman and Hermina Kleissen. Raised on a dairy farm with his 7 siblings, Herman learned to handle the large draft horses, cows, dogs and other animals with a gentle touch that continued through his life. Motorbikes, friends and a job collecting milk samples were highlights of his teenage years. After completing school, Herman received the opportunity to travel to Canada through a farming exchange program. He arrived in Canada on May 23, 1968 and began his career as a Canadian farmer. Herman worked for many years in the Vauxhall area, eventually purchasing a property northeast of Coaldale in the early 70s. Sugar beets, beans and wheat were the primary crops he focussed on over the years. He made time to travel, visiting family in Holland and exploring New Zealand, Australia, and North America with friends, regaling us with tales of chasing bears in California, seeing Elvis perform live in Vegas, and many other adventures.

In 1983, he moved his young family north of Chin, becoming the owner and operator of Beaver Pioneer Farm, the property he proudly farmed until the day he died. Herman was constantly innovating and improving farming equipment and methods. In the nineties, he became known for his “No-Till” innovation for growing sugar beets, improving crop production and field integrity with his methods. His beloved daughters were raised on the farm, riding along in the tractors and trucks, checking pivots, hoeing weeds, picking rocks, and learning their Dad’s patience with animals. Herman’s many nieces and nephews share memories of the green back yard, farm pets, times on the trampoline, and learning to drive his favourite John Deere tractors.

As his daughters grew older and moved away from home, he continued farming. He was always there for a chat and to hear the latest updates from his daughters, whom he adored. The birth of his twin grandchildren, Anna and Nathan, in 2015 brought him immense joy, and opportunities to travel to BC. Visits with Opa Herman on the farm meant digging up potatoes and carrots, learning how to move irrigation pipes, feeding the cat, and walking the dogs around the property numerous times a day. Snowball fights and water fights with irrigation hoses are bright memories of giggles and shrieks of glee when the twins would “win”! Herman’s ever innovative mind created ziplines and tire swings, much to the joy and delight of his grandchildren.

Herman was predeceased by his parents Herman and Hermina Kleissen; sisters Anne-Marie (Wim) Schepers, Herma (Wietse) Engwerda, and brother Johan (Truus) Kleissen.

Herman is survived by his daughters Nina (Dennis) van den Munckhof and Tessa Kleissen; grandchildren Anna and Nathan van den Munckhof; siblings Riky (Hennie) Booijink, Ine (Rene) Wiggers, Ben (Jose) Kleissen, and Gerry (Riet) Kleissen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Herman will be missed by many neighbours and friends throughout Canada and the Netherlands. He was known for always having the correct tool or part needed on hand and offered his help when he was able.

Herman’s family politely declines flowers as well as donations or gifts in lieu. Instead, they wish to thank Herman’s friends and neighbours for enriching his life.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at

ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta. Please bring stories to share at the reception to follow. A Private Graveside Service was held prior with Herman's close family and friends.

A recording of the Memorial Mass will be available to watch after the service.