Janzen, Curtis (1930-2004)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Jan 3 p. 8

Birth date: 1930 Feb 9

text of obituary:

CURTIS JANZEN

Curtis Janzen, 74, of Baltimore, Md., died Dec. 3, 2004. He was born Feb. 9, 1930, to Jacob and Helena (Wiebe) Janzen in Henderson, Neb.

His mother died when he was 2 years old. His father later married Susan Schroeder, who was the mother he most remembered.

He served with Mennonite Central Committee in Germany from 1951 to 1954 as a conscientious objector. He was the director of the Pax program, which served refugees there.

During his work with Pax, he met Dorothy Hurley. They were married May 1, 1955, in Chicago.

He continued in his desire to serve others, first by attending Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Chicago, then by choosing a career in social work. He earned a master's degree in 1958, and then a doctorate in 1972, both from the University of Chicago.

In 1971 he began teaching at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. He co-authored a book with Oliver Harris, Family Treatment in Social Work Practice. He also had a private practice in family therapy and was an active member of the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Joy Janzen; a son, Scott Janzen; a daughter-in-law, Sara Gordon; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church.