Janzen, Julius Jakob (1909-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary 2000 Mar 31 p. 29

Birth date: 1909 Aug 6

text of obituary:

JULIUS JAKOB JANZEN

Julius Jakob Janzen passed away Feb. 8 in Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 6, 1909 to Jakob and Helena Janzen in Neuhalbstadt, Sagradowka, Ukraine. He married Suzanna Dickmann June 13, 1936 in Ohrloff, Ukraine. They fled to Germany during World War II. In 1948 they moved to Greendale, B.C. They were baptized July 17, 1949 and joined Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church. He bought a house in Yarrow and took whatever job he could find to support his family: picking berries, apples, beans and hops. He enjoyed working with machinery, a field in which he was trained. He would chop wood in his spare time, often till 2 a.m. so that his family would have heat on cold nights. In 1959 he worked with his brother Peter in a fabric store in Winnipeg. He worked at Stork Craft children's furniture in Vancouver. In 1975 they moved to Abbotsford, where he was a handyman at Valley Rite Mix. He swept the shop and cleaned up after the mechanics. He loved to help in whatever way he could, in the kitchen and garden and mowing the lawn. He was helpful, generous and loving. In retirement, he travelled with his children and grandchildren. Suzanna died in 1984. He remained active and involved, visiting Disney World, Florida, California, Banff, Calgary, Kamloops, Merritt and Whistler. His words were few, but impacted many. He loved celebrations. He greeted others and was not shy about his lack of hearing. He welcomed others with chocolates and flowers. He is mourned by his children Mary Dyck and Val Janzen; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 15 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld ministering.