Katherine (Tena) Janzen
July 10, 1913 – March 17, 2001

Katherine (Tena) Janzen was born July 10, 1913 in Laird, Saskatchewan to Abraham and Aganetha Klassen, fourth in a family of six children. She grew up on the family farm at Tiefengrund. Her mother passed away during the influenza epidemic of 1918 when Tena was just five years old. She was fortunate to have two mothers, as Abraham married Helena just a year later. Helena was the mother that lovingly raised Tena and her siblings and gave her another seven brothers and sisters to increase the family to thirteen children. She attended Hamburg school and later Rosthern Bible School. Tena was baptized in 1932 at the Tiefengrund Church. She helped with younger siblings as well as farm work and later on worked in Saskatoon. Sewing lessons were taken while boarding in Waldheim. During this time she met Jacob C Janzen whose interest didn't enthuse her at first, but when he sent a Valentine card bearing his signature as 10-3-10 (JCJ) and paid a visit on the black Morgan horse, she fell in love.

Jake and Tena were married June 10, 1946 by Pastor John Friesen at the Tiefengrund Church, followed by a reception at the Klassen family farm. The couple were blessed with three children; daughter Marlene and sons Ron and Duane. The family farmed three miles east of Waldheim where Tena helped with farm work in addition to housework, laundry and baking. Each Saturday the family had Mom's fresh buns and cocoa for supper before Hockey Night in Canada.

In 1967 they moved to Waldheim where Tena found meaningful work with the Menno Home from 1967 to 1978. She loved writing, painting, gardening, involvement with Ladies Aide and singing with the Golden Age Choir. Tena looked forward to times spent with family and friends, providing meals for guests and enjoying their company. She remained very close to her mother Helena and they spoke to each other daily during the years that they lived in Waldheim. She was overjoyed when grandchildren came along, always taking an interest in their activities. She used her skill as a seamstress to make gifts such as rag dolls and nightgowns to her granddaughters. Later she gave the older grandchildren paintings to remember her by. The youngest two grandsons with their exuberance never failed to amuse her.

Tena was a gentle, soft-spoken woman with enormous strength and faith in God, allowing her to accept her condition when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This in turn made it easier for the family, even as Jake and Tena's roles changed. He assumed more daily tasks such as making porridge in the morning. In 1995 Tena's failing health dictated their move into Rosthern; first into Pineview Manor, then into the nursing home.

We remember the little things; the cool touch of a mother's hand on a fevered brow, the avid gardener who grew gladiolas for Ron & Connie's wedding, the pride in grandchildren's accomplishments, the look of surprise and pleasure when Brett and Sean popped raspberries they had picked into her mouth during her last visit to Fernie.

Katherine (Tena) Janzen passed away at the age of 87 years on March 17, 2001, just one week after the death of her beloved husband. She was pre-deceased by her husband Jacob C Janzen, her father Abraham Klassen, her mother Aganetha and stepmother Helena, her brother Peter and sisters Helen, Nettie and Maria. Mom 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, Sean Janzen and siblings; Jake, George, Abe, Ike, Elizabeth, Benno, John and Margaret.

In Loving Memory, The Family