Jacob C. Janzen
April 8, 1907 – March 10, 2001

Jacob C Janzen was born to Jacob B Janzen and Anna (Sperling) in McPherson County, Kansas. He grew up 1 1/2 miles from Buhler on the 240 acre family farm. Jake's father decided to leave for Canada so his sons could avoid conscription, as World War 1 seemed imminent (the elder Jacob had experienced war firsthand when still in Russia). Jake left Kansas at age 7 with the family on March 23, 1914.

The Janzen family arrived in Carnduff, Saskatchewan on March 29, 1914. The trip from Kansas was made by train, including their livestock along with other immigrants. Jake helped work the family farm, which included one section of land, a large three story house , and a barn with drive up ramp hayloft and stone footings. Elementary schooling up to grade eight was taken in Carnduff. After about ten tough years the parents along with the younger siblings moved again, to Waldheim which was known as a "larger" German settlement at that time.

The move to Waldheim was made again by train along with some livestock and equipment. The family settled east of Waldheim on a small farm where Jake helped his father and also "worked out" on other farms. Jake was baptized in Waldheim in 1925. Shortly thereafter, Jake moved with his parents to a large two story house in Waldheim which is now 306, 1st Street South. Jake worked with his brother Curt who was homesteading at Erwood, Saskatchewan. They cleared bush and built several log buildings using the "very straight" spruce trees in the area. He also worked for brother Isaac and brother-in-law Dave Friesen on their farms, until he married his bride Katherine.

Jake met Katherine (Tena) Klassen at a Carmen area party when she was boarding and taking sewing lessons in Waldheim. He found out where she lived north of Laird, and rode off to court her on a black Morgan stallion. Jake was working for brother-in-law Dave Friesen at this time. When Jake offered to repair Dave's Model A Ford in exchange for using it to go see Tena, Dave agreed. Dave thought Jake would never get the car running, and this was a good excuse to keep him from seeing that "Klassen Girl" from Laird (that old small town rivalry!). To Dave's surprise, Jake got the car running and history took its course. One of Tena's brothers spotted tire tracks on the early morning dew and commented "Jake must have left very late!" This courtship of love lasted to the very end, observed with Jake's Valentine card to Tena a month before he passed away.

Jake and Tena were married on June 10, 1946 by Pastor John Friesen in Tiefengrund. A reception was held at the Klassen family farm. The newlyweds lived on the "Lang" farm between Waldheim and Laird until 1948. They moved to a farm in the Danzig school area where daughter Marlene was born. In 1952 Jake and Tena bought a farm three miles east of Waldheim, where sons Ron and Duane were born. The family farmed here until Jake retired in 1967, moving into Waldheim.

In 1995 Jake and Tena moved into Pineview Manor at Rosthern due to Tena breaking her hip, and general failing health. It was difficult for Jake to give up the independence of his own home, but he felt his first responsibility was to his wife. As she deteriorated with Alzheimer's disease, he lovingly supported her as they moved from Pineview into the nursing home. He repeatedly said "Don't worry, it's in God's hands!" Now Jake has gone ahead, and is waiting for Tena to join him in a better place beyond the sunset.

Jacob C Janzen passed away on March 10, 2001 at the age of 93 years. He was predeceased by his parents Jacob B and Anna Janzen and all of his siblings. Dad is lovingly remembered by children; Marlene (Sandy) Hurton, Ron (Connie) Janzen, Duane (Char Hornquist) Janzen and grandchildren Brad (Andrea) Hurton, Krista Hurton, Jennifer Janzen (fiance' Lonny Bolld), Michael Janzen, Brett Janzen and Sean Janzen.

In Loving Memory, The Family