JANSSEN, Donald W. 1936-2007

JANSSEN

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 7/11/2009 at 12:41:18

Donald Wayne Janssen, 70, died on Monday, January 1, 2007, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. 
 
Memorial services were held for Donald at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, January 5, at the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, with Kris Sorensen officiating. Internment was in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, with military honors by the VFW Post No. 6779. 

Donald was born in Ackley, Iowa on April 6, 1936, son of Hannes and Fannie (Riebkes) Janssen. The family later moved to Northwood and farmed east of Northwood.

Don entered into the Army on May 15, 1953 and married Marlys Williamson in 1955. After honorable discharge in April 1958, Don drove truck and they began farming. They purchased a farm five miles east of Northwood where along with a son, Michael they farmed for many years.

Don married Linda Clark in 1985 and continued on the farm until 2005 when they moved to Osage to be closer to family.

Don loved working with 4-H kids and at the Worth County Fair. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, telling stores, playing cards, and spending time with his three grandchildren. Don and Linda raised Percheron horses for many years and enjoyed going to the Waverly Draft Horse Sale each year. Don served on the Northwood State Bank Board of Directors, Northwood Co-op Elevator Board, and the AGRI Industries Board.

Don is survived by his wife, Linda Janssen; step-daughter, Tammy (Kris) Sorensen and their daughter, Shelby Sorensen of Parker City, Indiana; brother, Bud (Doris) Janssen of Northwood and their children, Mary Janssen of Minneapolis and John Janssen of Northwood; daughter-in-law, Jana (Pave) Walsh and their children, Caden Michael and Jadee Mae Walsh of Osage; and many other nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlys Janssen; his best friend and son, Mike Janssen; and his sister, Joan Bright.