Janzen, David Henry (1884-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Oct 30 p. 5

Birth date: 1884 Oct 14

text of obituary:

. . .

— David Henry Janzen, 63, passed away at his home on East Sixth street Monday evening. he had been in ill health for a number of months, and was bedfast the last two weeks. Mr. Janzen was a shoe cobbler at Buhler for many years, and the family moved here three yeas ago. He is survived by his wife, Eva, and 10 children: Mrs. David Schmidt of Medford, Okla., Mrs. Harry Dirks of Newton, Mrs. Abe Peters of Inman, Mrs. Arthur Fast of Medford, Henry D. and Frank W. Janzen of Hutchinson, Abe R. Janzen and Mrs. David Jackson of Wichita, and Adolph D. and David Janzen, Jr., of the home. Funeral services will be held at the First Mennonite church on Thursday afternoon, Rev. D. J. Unruh officiating.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Nov 13 p. 3

text of obituary:

DAVID HENRY JANZEN

David Henry Janzen, son of Heinrich and Elizabeth Janzen, was born in McPherson county, Kansas, on October 14, 1884, and died at his home in Newton, on October 27, 1947, at the age of 63 years and 13 days.

On April 21, 1908, he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and received into the membership of the Mennonite church at Syracuse, Kansas, by Rev. H. R. Voth. this church has since been dissolved and Bro. Janzen became a member of the Mennonite church at Medford, Oklahoma, where he remained a member until his death.

On December 11, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Eva Janzen at Syracuse, Kansas. to this union were born five daughters and five sons, all of whom, together with the now widowed mother, survive to mourn the death of their father.

Mr. Janzen was a shoe cobbler by trade. He lived in Kansas all his life with the exception of 10 years when the family lived at Medford, Oklahoma. About five years ago the family moved from Buhler to Newton where they have made their home.

In 1942 his health began to fail and since then he had been in declining health. On October 8 he became seriously ill and never fully rallied again until he peacefully passed away on Monday evening, October 17.

He showed remarkable patience during his illness. He maintained a cheerfulness and hopefulness, as well as an amazing will to live and fulfill his duties as husband and father, throughout his illness. During the days of the recent war he longed for the safe return of his three sons who were in the service of their country, and whose return he was permitted to see. He was fully conscious and able to help himself to the last and walked unaided across the room and to the front door on the day of his death. His testimony on the last day of his life was, "It is only a very short way to heaven now, I will soon be there.'

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Mrs. Eva Janzen, five daughters and their husbands, three married sons and their wives, two sons at home, and twelve grandchildren. The children are as follows: Mrs. David t. (Kathryn) Schmidt, Medford, Okla.; Mrs. Harry (Marie) Dirks, Newton; Mrs. Abe R. (Clara) Peters, Inman; Mrs. Art (Pauline) Fast, Medford, Okla.; Henry D., Hutchinson; Abe R., Wichita; Frank W., Hutchinson; Mrs. David T. (Elsie) Jackson, Wichita; and Adolf and David at home.

Brother Janzen was the youngest member of his family and the last surviving member, as his parents and all his brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

A short service was held at the late home on Thursday afternoon, October 30, 1947, with Rev. Jacob Balzer of Inman officiating. The hymns that were used at the services were among his favorites and were frequently requested by him during his illness. Rev. and Mrs. D. J. Unruh sang "Safe in the Arms Of Jesus" at the home service.

Immediately following, services were held at the First Mennonite church, with Rev. D. J. Unruh officiating. A mixed quartet sang "Ring The Bells of Heaven" and the favorite song of his mother, "Wo Findet die Seele die Helmat der Ruh."

A graveside service was held at the family lot in Greenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Albert Schmidt of Medford, Oklahoma, officiatng. A ladies trio sang "Engel oeffnet das Tor."