Janzen, Herman (1852-1938)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1938 Feb 1 p. 14

Birth date: 1852 Nov 28

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 Jan 12 p. 5

text of obituary:

LOCAL

Louis Janzen of Elbing called at our office this morning and reported the death of his aged father, Herman Janzen, who passed away early this morning. Mr. Janzen had been ill from pneumonia since last Friday, but was considered to be improving when his heart failed him and death followed. He was one of the oldest settlers in the Elbing community, having passed his 85th birthday last November. His wife, several children and a large circle of relatives survive to mourn his death. Funeral services will be held next Sunday afternoon, at 1:30 o'clock in the German language at the home two miles north of Elbing, and in the English language at 2:30 o'clock at the Zion church. The Review extends heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 Jan 19 p. 5

text of obituary:

LOCAL

One of the largest funerals in recent years was held last Sunday at the Zion church in Elbing for the aged Herman Janzen, who had died on Wednesday. A large number of friends and former associates from Newton motored to Elbing to attend the services, which were in charge of Rev. H. J. Dyck of Zion church. Interment was made in the cemetery at Elbing.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 Jan 26 p. 5

text of obituary:

Herman Janzen

Our loving Father, Herman Janzen, was born on November 28, 1852, in the village of Augustwalde, West Prussia, Germany. He received a thorough elementary education as well as a definite religious training. When he was 14 years of age he was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and united with the local Mennonite church.

Upon the introduction of compulsory military training the Janzen family left their native land and emigrated to the United States, arriving in Peabody, Kansas, on June 20, 1880.

On April 28, 1881, he was united in marriage to Anna Entz and took up residence on the farm which remained his home until his death.

When the Zion Mennonite Church was organized he was one of the charter members. Father was also interested in various other phases of Christian work and contributed generously to their support.

In the spring of 1891 they opened their heart and home to two homeless children, who enjoyed the privileges of their Christian home. Of these, Anna went to be with her Lord in the year 1920.

On November 13, 1896, it pleased God to call unto himself his dear helpmate. in the following year he found another companion in the person of Agathe Regier with whom he shared the joys and burdens of life for another span of 38 years. To this union there were born three sons, of whom one died in infancy. The Lord also entrusted to them the care of two needy girls to whom they gave the opportunity to enjoy a Christian home and education.

Although never very strong physically, father enjoyed comparatively good health in recent years until he contracted pneumonia on January 7, the complications of which resulted in his death on January 12.

He is survived by his wife and children, one sister, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 16. A short service at home was conducted by Rev. J. E. Entz of the first Mennonite church of Newton and a musical selection rendered by the Gospel Heralders male quartet.

At the services at the Zion Mennonite church words of comfort were spoken by Rev. J. N. Smucker of Bethel College and by Rev. H. J Dyck the local pastor. An octet consisting of business men of the city of Peabody sang, "The Old Rugged Cross" and the choir of the local church sang, "Oh, Listen to Our Wondrous Story"., and "Heaven is My Home:. The closing prayer was spoken by Rev. A. A. Schmidt of the Missionary church of Elbing. Interment in the Zion Church cemetery.

At this hour of sorrow we are more than ever impressed by his strong faith in God, his life of prayer, and the sterling qualities of his character. It seems to us that a fitting tribute to his life may be well expressed in the following stanza of a hymn:

It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart;
He will always be with us if we do our part.
There's naught in this wide world, that can pleasure afford
There is peace and contentment in serving the Lord.

The Mennonite obituary: 1938 Feb 1 p. 14