Janzen, George W. (1871-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Sep 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1871 Jul 22

text of obituary:

G. W. JANZEN

George W. Janzen was born July 22, 1871, in Alexanderthal, South Russia. At the age of three years he came to America with his parents and they settled on a farm south of McPherson, Kansas. Here he attended the country school. When he was only 15 years old his father died and he and his mother were left to operate the farm.

He was baptized upon confession of faith by Rev. P. R. Voth and joined the Buhler Mennonite church, of which he was a member until his death. He was active in helping in the construction of this church building.

On October 6, 1891, he was married to Mary Unruh, with whom he shared joys and sorrows for almost 56 years. this union was blessed with eight children, of whom four have gone on before him.

For 26 years he lived on a farm in McPherson county. In 1897, he and his family moved to Buhler, where he and his brother went into business. However, he still had a longing for the farm, and so after four years he bought a farm near Buhler, where the family then lived 25 years. In 1926 he ceased to farm and moved to Buhler.

During the last nine years he had been afflicted with diabetes. Toward the end he became very weak and he realized his end was near. Death held no fear for him and he stated that he was ready to go. He died August 24, 1947, at the age of 76 years and 32 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife; three sons, Herbert W. of Hutchinson, Henry G. of Sylvia and Curt of Buhler; one daughter, Agnes (Mrs. A. C. Thiessen) of Inman; three daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, 11 grandchidlren and two great-grandcildren.