John Jr

John Janssen Jr., 91, of Monticello, died Wednesday December 5, 2007 peacefully at home with family at his side. John was born June 18, 1916 in Oslfriesden, Germany to Johann and Margaret (Wolken) Janssen. When he was eight years of age his parents moved the family to the United States. He received his education in the country schools of Jones County. In October of 1941 he was drafted into the US Army and served for 49 months in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in November 1945 at the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning to Monticello he was employed by Energy Manufacturing Company. John married Bertha (Dolly) Merfeld on August 27, 1946 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello. In December of 1947 they moved to a farm in Delaware County. In February of 1964, after sixteen years of farming, they moved back to Monticello and John became a salesman for Moorman Manufacturing Company. He retired in 1981. John was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, the Monticello Lions Club, the VFW and was a 4-H Leader for a number of years. He always enjoyed card playing, bowling, golf, the casino, his workshop, his coffee friends at Darrell's, and most of all time spent with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 61 years Bertha (Dolly), a son, Gary (Pat) Janssen, Island Lake, IL, three daughters, Pam (Vern) Skripsky, Gladstone, MO, Sandy Kremer (Robbie Kremer), Monticello, and Marla (David) Jacobs Monticello, twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, a sister, Agnita Miller, Cedar Rapids, sisters in law, Dorothy Janssen, Betty Janssen, both of Monticello, Mai Merfeld,Tampa FL, and Loretta Brown, Edgewood IA, a brother-in-law Albert (Wilma) Merfeld, Monticello and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Edward and Arthur, a sister-in-law Helen Janssen, and a brother-in-law Vic Miller. Memorials are preferred to Above and Beyond Hospice, Camp Courageous of Iowa and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.