Janzen, John Herman E. (1906-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Oct 26 p. 27

Birth date: 1906

text of obituary:

JOHN HERMAN E. JANZEN

John Herman E. Janzen was born Aug. 2, 1906 to Herman and Susanna Janzen in Ignatyevka, southern Russia. When he was 12, he had to spend many weeks transporting supplies for the army. His father died when he was 15. In 1926-27 he immigrated with his family to Canada. They lived in Herbert, Sask. for a year, where he worked as a farm labourer. Then they moved to Elbow, Sask. In his early 20s he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB Church in Elbow. He actively participated in church activities and enjoyed singing in the choir. In spring, 1934 they moved to a farm near Waldheim, Sask., where he joined Waldheim MB Church. On Oct. 20, 1934 he married Agnes Penner of Hague, Sask., a union blessed with 3 children. They lived with his mother, sister and brothers until moving to Carlton, Sask. in 1940. Agnes died in 1980. He married Marie Petkau June 14, 1981, gaining 4 more children. He spent 50 enjoyable years farming. He enjoyed travelling, visiting friends and relatives, singing in the Golden Age Choir and spending many happy hours with his grandchildren. Predeceased by his first wife Agnes, 1 brother and 1 sister, he is mourned by his wife Marie; children Ed of Saskatoon, Elnora Cole of Clive, Alta., Waldemar of Waldheim, Bob Petkau of Airdrie Alta., Betty Andres of Niagara-on-the-Lake: Ont., Don Petkau of Hamilton and Ken Petkau of Waldheim; 25 grandchildren and 3 brothers. The funeral was Aug. 1 in Waldheim MB Church, with John Block and Otto Derksen ministering.