John Jansen
June 29, 1951 ~ April 25, 2018
John Joseph Jansen, 66, of Moorhead, MN passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Bemidji, MN.
John was born June 29, 1951 in Fargo, ND to William and Mary Margaret (Hannaher) Jansen. He went to school at Holy Spirit Catholic School and graduated from Shanley High School in 1969.
John married Mary (Jacob) Grund in 2001 in Fargo, ND.
John spent 25 years in the warehouse at Fargo Glass and Paint. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but he loved the people he worked with and made lifelong friends. The last 5 years he spent operating the ferris wheel at Scheels in Fargo. He was very protective of that wheel...it was his wheel and nobody was going to touch it. He loved seeing the smiles on all the kids as they went around and around.
He loved everything sports. From watching Bison football or UND hockey to spending Sunday afternoons yelling at the Vikings. He spent many hours in the car carting his kids to various activities or traveling to see his grandkids in their various events. Over the summer months, he could often be found walking the greens of the Hawley Golf Course, at the Y, to enjoying the great outdoors.
His selfless acts would shine through in everything he did. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandkids. They were the light that shined through him. If they had a smile on their face, he had a smile on his face. John made the comment at Easter time this year, "so your journey through this life, no matter how long it seems, will definitely end in glory." His faith was strengthened day by day and he was prepared to sit in his Lord's loving hands.
John is survived by his wife Mary, children, Chad (Kim), Zimmerman, MN, Rachelle (Nathaniel) Barckholtz, Bemidji, MN, Matthew (Cassie), Moorhead, MN, Stacy Grund, Rockford, MI, Lance (Bettina) Grund, Chanhassen, MN; grandchildren, Amelie, Madison, Will, Orin, Gavin, Samantha, Annie, Gidget, & Bailey; Brother, Frank and Sister, Mary Leiss and many nieces, nephews & friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Tuesday, May, 1, 2018 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M.
The funeral will be at 1:30 Wednesday, May 2, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, with Pastor Matt Valan, officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral.
I hope the entire family will be able to deal with this loss. It has been a pleasure getting to know the Jansen family.
John was so thoughtful and kind to me while I lived in San Antonio. He helped me, as a late entrant, to play in the Roger Maris event with Roger, Jr.. Patsy was a classmate at Shanley High School, class of 1953.
I loved John’s smile! Whenever I saw him, he was smiling and his entire face shined. You can’t fake that. He was truly a man that had peace and contentment in his heart, no matter what his circumstances. That can only come from having a relationship with the Jesus. What a fabulous legacy he has passed on to all that have ever known him. He now has the ultimate healing and is Home Free!
Mary….Jim and I are so very sorry for the loss of your brother.
My memories of John go back to Flyer hockey. Early morning practice, out of town trips,potlucks,being there for our boys. Sorry we moved to the north side but we never lost touch with our Flyer Family. Let’s remember those who touched our lives and we will meet again! Have a beer with JIM
I remember John as a classmate at Holy Spirit and Shanley. He was a very sweet person and always had a smile on his face. My condolences to his loving family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Enjoyed so many fun time with John..he will be deeply missed.
Mary,Sandra and myself are so sorry for your loss as you know I grew up as kids with John as neighbors…had many fun times with him.Just the last few years we got reconnected which I got to know John as an adult and I don’t have to tell you he was a great guy and I will miss him…especially sharing a Duane’s pepperoni and onion Pizza and our golf games.He was such an easy going guy and never complained about anything.We share your sorrow. Prayers to you and the family. Randy and Sandra Johnson
Mary, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Sandy and Dan Vogel.
The Hannaher family is so sorry for your loss. We hope you are comforted by fond memories, and the knowledge he is no longer suffering.
Deepest sympathy to John’s Family. Holy Spirit and Shanley classmate
John was a inspiration to all, loved his smile his laugh and his friendship\!Rest in peace my brother until the Coming!
You will be missed!
Pat and Kitty Croal