Janzen, Gerhard (1907-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jan 11 p. 23

Birth date: 1907 Nov 7

text of obituary:

GERHARD JANZEN

George Janzen passed away Oct. 16 in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Nov. 7, 1907 in the Crimea, Russia, the 2nd of 3 sons on a progressive farm. His high school education was disrupted by the Russian Revolution. His father committed suicide to avoid his execution and his family's exile to Siberian work camps. His mother, brothers and he immigrated to Canada. He married Helen. They farmed in Coaldale, Alta. The 1930s were hard. They moved to B.C. in 1942 and spent 20 years on a mixed farm in Abbotsford. He focused on providing an education for his children. He went through difficult spiritual struggles, related to his childhood experiences, especially his father's death. He was a man of prayer and read his Bible, but had not been baptized. Eventually, he was able to resolve his problems and became an active church member. He nurtured his mind with much reading, especially Bible study, and could explain profound spiritual truths. Shortly after retirement, Helen died suddenly. In time, he married Agnes Mensch. He moved to Tabor Home 4 years ago. He found the transition difficult, but had a quick wit and dry sense of humour. Predeceased by Helen and daughter Hilda, he is mourned by Agnes; children Jake, Helen, Johanna, Charlotte and Lorie; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 7 stepchildren. The funeral was Oct. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Art Isaac and Randy Thompson ministering.