Jantzen, Jacob P. (1889-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 May 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1889 Oct 20

text of obituary:

JACOB P. JANTZEN

Jacob P. Jantzen, son of Abraham and Catherine Bartel Jantzen, was born on a farm northwest of Beatrice, Neb. on Oct. 20, 1889. His early education included attendance at the public school near Hoag, Neb. and the Mennonite parochial school. He took further training at the preparatory school at Hillsbro [sic Hillsboro,] Kan. where he studied under Rev. H. D. Penner.

Upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ, he was baptized by Elder Gerhard Penner on Jun 14,1908. A significant experience of his youth was the death of his brother Cornelius, two years his elder, with whom he had shared many happy times.

From 1913 to 1920 he lived in the northwestern states. Most of the time was spent in Ihaho [sic Idaho] where he developed his interest and skills in carpentry and building. He returned to Beatrice upon the illness of his father who died in 1920. He continued living with his mother on the family acreage west of Beatrice where he resided until his death. It was to this family home that he brought Helen Jantzen after their marriage on May 5, 1921. Five children were born of this union. Forty years of married life were celebrated at an anniversary service in 1961.

Although he had passed the usual age of retirement, he continued to enjoy working at a reduced pace. After an illness of about 11 hours, his active spirit was interrupted suddenly by death on the morning of March 19, 1963.

Mourning his sudden departure are his wife, Helen; five children, Richard W. of Topeka, Kan., Theodore J. of Florida, New York, Paul G. of Hillsboro, Kan., Helen Ruth (Mrs. Robert Unruh) of Kingman, Kan., Carl R. of East Lansing, Mich.; one son-in-law; four daughters-in-law; eight grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Catherine Jantzen, and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters, some of whom died in infancy.

Jacob P. Jantzen was known and respected by many in the Beatrice community. He was characterized by a jolly and cheerful outlook and a general zest for life. As an active member of the Beatrice Mennonite Church he especially enjoyed participating in provocative discussion in school classes. He continued to grow in understanding of life and of the Christian faith through his avid reading of books and periodicals. His devotion to the spirit of Jesus, as he understod [sic] it, motivated a living faith that was an inspiration to these nearest him. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1963 Apr 9 p. 254