Janzen, John (1926-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jun 21 p. 27

Birth date: 1926 Nov 27

text of obituary:

JOHN JANZEN

John Janzen of Dunnville, Ont. passed away Mar. 10. He was born Nov. 27, 1926 to David and Helena Janzen in Ukraine. In his late teens, he was drafted into the German army, where he served unwillingly until his escape to Austria. Here he worked as a farmhand for 10 years. In 1953 he immigrated to Lacombe, Alta., where he worked for a farmer. The neighbours, who were Mennonites, put a notice in Die Mennonitische Rundschau, and he was reunited with his mother and brother in Beamsville, Ont. He worked on his uncle Henry Wiebe's farm in Campden, Ont. He made a personal commitment to the Lord. He was baptized in Vineland (Ont.) MB Church. In 1954 he was hired at General Motors. He married Frieda Sawatzky in 1958 in Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. They lived in Beamsville for 21 years and in St. Catharines for 3 years. They attended the Vineland church. He took early retirement from General Motors in 1982, and they moved to a lakefront home in Dunnville. They enjoyed summers by the lake and spent 18 winters in Florida. He suffered from Parkinson's, but enjoyed life to the fullest, worked hard at staying active and was willing to help others. He spent his last year in Dunnville Hospital and Grandview Nursing Home. He is mourned by Frieda; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 13 in Vineland MB Church, with Doug Schulz ministering.