E. Willard Janzen

E. Willard Janzen, 74, Newton, husband of former Halstead resident, Mary Ellen Matthies Janzen, died Thursday, December 20, 2001 at his home. He was born December 19, 1927 in Newton, son of Henry P. and Susie Reimer Janzen. He grew up in Goessel and graduated from there in 1945.

On May 21, 1950 he married Mary Ellen Matthies in Halstead.

He had worked at McMillian Cheveolet, Newton as the parts department manager until December 1951. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for four years in Amarillo, Texas attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He and his wife then returned to Newton where he worked in the mobile home industry for 34 years, 25 as a production manager. He retired in May 1990. After retirement he and his wife enjoyed visiting family members, traveling and playing golf.

He was an active member of First Mennonite Church, Newton, since 1958 and a member of the Christian Co-Workers Sunday school class.

Survivors include two sons, and their wives, Dana and Julie Janzen, Newton; Doyle and Sandy Janzen, Tehachapi, California;; two sisters, Evelyn Brunner, Emporia and Ella Remer, Newton; two granddaughters and one grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dora Wolf and one brother, John Janzen.

Services were held December 27 at the First Mennonite Church with burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.

Memorials to American Cancer Society.