Heinz D. Janzen
Obituary
Heinz D. Janzen, 83, died on Wednesday (June 15, 2011) in
North Newton.
He was born to the late Peter M. and Mary (Dirks) Janzen on
June 19, 1927, in a hospital elevator in New York City, shortly after their
arrival in the United States as immigrants from the Ukraine. Heinz grew up in
Ontario, Calif., and was baptized in Upland Mennonite Church in Upland, Calif.
Heinz served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 47 as an
electronic technician. Following his discharge, he studied at Biola College in
Los Angeles; Bethel College in North Newton, where he received a bachelor of arts
in history in 1952; and Goshen College in Goshen, Ind., where he received a
bachelor of science in education in 1953. He then did graduate work at Goshen
Biblical Seminary in Goshen, Ind., and New York Theological Seminary in New
York, where he was granted a master of divinity degree in 1956.
He met his wife, Dorothea "Dotty" (Wirth), at
seminary. They were married on Sept. 10, 1955. Theirs was a true, deep and
inspirational love story, which remained wonderfully strong until the moment of
his passing.
Following his graduation, he served as pastor of Calvary
Mennonite Church in Washington, Ill., and Salem Mennonite Church in Kidron,
Ohio. In 1969, he was called to serve as the general secretary for the General
Conference Mennonite Church denominational headquarters, where he served for
more than 10 years.
Following that, he served for 10 years as co-pastor with his
wife at Trinity Mennonite Church in Hillsboro. After his retirement from the
ministry in 1990, he served for six years as coordinator of the General
Conference Mennonite Men organization.
Throughout his career, Heinz was a prolific writer of
curriculum materials for the church. With his wife, he edited and rewrote the
Minister's Manual, published in 1983. He served on the committee which produced
the Confession of Faith in Mennonite Perspective in 1995. He also wrote or
co-wrote many editorials and meditations for The Mennonite magazine and many
other periodicals. He served on the board of directors for Bethel College and
the Mennonite Central Committee for many years.
Throughout this long and distinguished career, he touched
many lives. He will be remembered with love and respect by all that knew him.
As his body failed him, he never complained and continued to be a shining
example of love, perseverance, bravery and strength. He loved all of his
family, who will miss him greatly.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothea, of North Newton; son,
Peter and wife, Debra of Wichita; daughter, Margie Hildebrand and husband,
Charlie of Morden, Manitoba, Canada; daughter, Mary Janzen of State College,
Pa.; brother, Herbert Janzen of Ritzville, Wash.; sister, Metta Lieb of Newton;
and grandchildren, Reuben Friesen, Mark Friesen, Gus Hernandez and Victoria
Janzen.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Margaret
Janzen.
Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in
Menno Hall at Kidron Bethel Village, 3001 Ivy Drive in North Newton.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Bethel
College Mennonite Church in North Newton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to
Kidron Bethel Village or Mennonite Central Committee. Contributions may be sent
to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home of
Newton.
