Peter A. Janzen

1918 – 2008

On Monday, January 21, 2008, our dad, Peter A. Janzen slipped away from this life at 6:30 pm after being in a semi conscious state for about 3 days.  He had spent just 17 days at Salem Home where he celebrated his 90^th birthday with his family and siblings.

Dad was born to his parents Abram P. and Elizabeth (nee Wall) Janzen in Blumenfeld, MB on January 9, 1918.  That same year in November, dad’s mother passed away when the flu epidemic spread into Manitoba.  Dad’s aunts from his mother’s side took turns caring for and loving him.  That bond was always evident later on in life.  His father remarried in the spring of 1919 when Anna Neudorf became dad’s new mother.  Dad was blessed with 5 sisters and 3 brothers.  After 1 year of school in Blumenfeld, his parents moved to Mexico where they lived for 5 years.  He was 12 years old when they moved back to Manitoba where he attended school for 2 more years and finished with a grade four education.  He grew up, married and lived most of his life in and around Blumenfeld.

Upon confession of his faith in his Saviour Jesus Christ, he was baptized by Bishop Jacob Froese on June 2, 1941 at the Old Colony Church.

He worked at home on his parents’ farm until World War 2.  During this time, he worked at the C.O. Camp at Clear Lake, MB.  He shared many interesting stories with us of his experiences there.  Dad also helped build the highway between Winkler and Morden with horses and scraper, working to pay off the Dirty Thirty relief debt.

In 1947, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Thiessen who was housekeeping at the John Duecks across the street from his home.  Mom and dad were married on October 31, 1948 at the Blumenfeld School and shared nearly 58 years of married life.  They worked hard together, raised their family, and made many trips to visit places, family and friends.  Church was very important to our parents and dad also served as a Sunday School teacher for a while.  Father was a carpenter by trade and built approximately 50 new homes.  He constructed many of the buildings and did many of the renovations in this area.  It was amazing how particular and patient he was in his woodwork.

In 1966, our family moved to Bolivia, South America.  But dad was disappointed there so we returned after 10 months.  In the meantime, both of dad’s parents had passed away only 9 days apart and only 1 month before we moved back to Canada.  This opened the opportunity for our family to move into our grandparents’ home in Blumenfeld.  In 1986, our parents built their dream home.  They enjoyed this country living for 10 years and then moved to Winkler in 1996.

Dad was relatively healthy until January 2004 at which time he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.  But with medication, he made a good recovery and was able to live an active life again.  After mom’s passing in June 2006, dad was lonely and his health slowly deteriorated.  Even though dad went through many changes and challenges in the last while, he never lost his sense of humour or his faith in God.  Dad’s independent living ended on November 9 when he moved from his residence in Lions Court to the hospital.  Then on January 4 of this year, we moved dad to Salem Home where he still walked in with a smile on his face.

Dad’s friendly, thankful and caring personality was evident to all who had the privilege of taking care of him.  He had a genuine and constant concern for his fellow man and especially his children and grandchildren.  He was proud of and loved each and every one of them.  Dad will be dearly missed by his family, but we look forward to reuniting in Heaven.

He leaves to mourn his passing 3 daughters, Margaret and Erwin Regier of Plum Coulee, Anne and Henry Heppner of Plum Coulee, Lisa and Ben Unrau of Neuenberg; 3 sons, Abe and Helen of Hochfeld, Peter and Mary of the Morden district, Jake and Margaret of Blumenfeld; 23 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Susie, Marie, Helen; 3 brothers, Abe, John, Jake.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (nee Thiessen) in 2006 and 2 sisters, Tina and Anne.

Funeral service was held on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 1:30 pm at Reinland Mennonite Church in Winkler with Bishop Peter Elias officiating.  Interment took place at the Blumenfeld Cemetery.

We the family express our sincere thanks to the homecare personnel, hospital and Salem Home staff, ministerial, pallbearers, ushers, songleaders, ladies serving group, church caretakers, soundman, Wiebe Funeral Home and to all who have encouraged the Janzen family in any way.  May God bless you all.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to Salem Foundation Inc. 165 15^th St. Winkler, MB R6W 1T8.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.