Janzen, Franz (1909-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Dec 7 p. 28

Birth date: 1909

text of obituary:

FRANZ JANZEN

Franz Janzen of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Oct. 10. He was born Sept. 12, 1909 to Johann and Anna Janzen in Putinzew, Omsk, Siberia. In 1914 the family moved to Putchkovo. In 1927 he was converted in an evangelistic campaign. He was baptized and joined Margenau MB Church. In 1929 they fled to Moscow but were sent back. Because his father was a minister, they were to be sent to northern Siberia. However, he married Mathilda and lived in Crimea for 7 months. After another move, they returned to their home village, regained voting rights and joined a collective farm. His mother had died and his father moved away. In 1936 they moved to White Russia to fellowship with other believers. This group commissioned him to encourage Siberian believers. While travelling, he felt called to ministry through Ezek. 3:17-2l. Later they were arrested and their children sent to an orphanage, but they were released and reunited. During World War II they were in refugeee camps, finally arriving in Westphalia. Here he was ordained in 1946. Their goal was to come to Canada, but he accepted a call to minister in Volendam, Paraguay. After several years they moved to Uruguay, where he also served. In 1960 they came to Canada. After a year in Vancouver, he became assistant pastor of the new Zion MB Church in Kitchener, Ont. After 12 years they retired to Clearbrook. He ministered to seniors at Sherwood Home and led the Saturday evening prayer service at Clearbrook MB Church. Despite illness and surgery, he ministered to his wife and others. In later years, his thoughts turned more and more to his heavenly home. Mathilda died in spring, 1990, and he moved to Tabor Home. Despite suffering, he maintained a positive spirit and fellow-shipped in prayer with the Lord and visitors. Predeceased by his wife and 4 children, he is mourned by sons Frank of Bonita Springs, FL and Ernst of Montevideo, Uruguay; daughter Erika Sukkau of Debolt, Alta.; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 15, with Jacob Pauls, P.D. Loewen and Robert Sukkau ministering.