Janzen, Henry H. (1898-1969)

Mennonite Brethren herald obituary: 1969 Jul 25 p. 30

Birth date: 1898 Jun 02

text of obituary:

HENRY H. JANZEN

Henry H. Janzen was born in Sogradofka, South Russia on June 2, 1898. He passed on to meet the Lord whom he loved and served on Monday, June 16 in the Vancouver General Hospital. He reached the age of 71 years.

He trusted Jesus Christ for his personal salvation at an early age. He was baptized on his faith and accepted into the General Conference Mennonite Church in 1919.

On April 12. 1920 he was united in marriage with Maria Koehn. In 1926, after several years of medical service during the Russian revolution, he set out for Canada with his family, in search of peace and freedom. They lived at Niverville and Steinbach until 1947, where they found good fellowship and opportunity for service in the Steinbach Mennonite Church. Henry Janzen was ordained as a deacon and served his Lord and his church faithfully.

During this time while working hard to get established on a farm and raise a family, he became known for his unique gift of helping people who had physical needs. He considered this his God-given ministry.

The family later resided at Yarrow, B.C. for nine years. In 1951 he and his wife with other members of the family joined the Mennonite Brethren Church. When they moved to Vancouver in 1956, they joined the Fraserview Church. His years here were rich and memorable, having enjoyed a close friendship with many people in various walks of life. His strength had declined for a time until a year ago when he was suddenly taken seriously ill. He was a wonderful example in his strong faith and uncomplaining attitude in spite of pain and confinement.

The funeral service took place at Fraserview Church on June 19 with Rev. J. A. Toews officiating. In referring to II Timothy 4:7 and 8, he challenged the assembly with, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Interment was at the Ocean View Cemetery, Burnaby, B.C.

Two sons and one daughter have preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Maria, with whom he shared life's joys and sorrows for 49 years; five daughters, Louise (Mrs. Alfred Harder) of Steinbach, Man.; Helen (Mrs. Peter Ewert) of Hatzic, B.C.; Erna (Mrs. David Siemens) of Richmond, B.C.; Mary and Erika, Vancouver; 10 grandchildren; one brother and five sisters.