Merle Charles JANSSEN

JANSSEN, PRILL, LOWENBERG, EVANS, IRELAN, GIVENS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/7/2007 at 01:40:52

November 11, 2003

Merle Charles Janssen, 77, of Goodell, died on Saturday, November 8, 2003, at the Belmond Care Center, after a long battle with Parkinsons and cancer. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 11, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Burial was in the St. Francis Cemetery near Belmond.

Merle was born on October 2, 1926 in Carroll, the son of William and Reeka (Prill) Janssen. The family lived in Glidden until 1942, when they moved to a farm north of Goodell. Merle graduated from the Belmond High School in 1945. In 1950 he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. In 1951, he married Joan Marie Lowenberg. To this union seven sons and two daughters were born. After his discharge from service, Merle started farming with his father, Bill and brother, Roy. In 1960 he farmed on his own. In 1970 he started Merle Janssen and Sons Chester Whites. The family raised purebred Chester White hogs for over 25 years. Merle loved to attend the Iowa State Fair every year and show hogs with his family and friends. He had great pride in all of his children and enjoyed watching their sporting events and other activities. In February of 2001, Merle received medals in recognition of his service in Korea. After cancer surgery in September of 2001 he entered the Belmond Care Center. Merle was President of the Hancock Health Improvement Association, a 4-H Leader, served on the Klemme Elevator Board, and was a 50 year member of the Goodell American Legion.

Preceding Merle in death were infant daughter, Diana Marie; parents, William and Reeka Janssen; and brother, Roy. Survivors are his wife, Joan; children, Danny (Donnelle) Janssen, Dennis (Barbara) Janssen, Steve (Marilyn) Janssen, Scot (Jody) Janssen, Terry (Donna) Janssen, Timmy (Jane) Janssen, Becky Janssen and Bradley (Amy) Janssen; grandchildren, Matt (Melissa), Nick, Jennifer, Joni, Jeffrey, Rachel (Nathan) Evans, Ryan (Susan), Heather, Jessica (Mike) Lane, Eric, Nolan, Justin, Holly, Brian, Megan, Caleb and Alyssa; great-grandchildren, Alexis Lane, Hallie and Hope Evans and Brenden Janssen; sisters, Leona (Paul) Givens and Faye (Wayne) Irelan; and sister-in-law, Flora Janssen.

©Belmond Independent 2003