John M. Janzen, son of Peter P. and Mary Klassen Janzen, was born on Feb. 10, 1887, and passed from this life Dec. 13, 1958, at Halstead, Kan. at the age of 71 years, 10 months, and three days.
At the age of 17 he realized his need of the Saviour and was baptized. He joined the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church near Goessel, Kan. and remained a member there until the Tabor Church was organized in 1908, of which he became a charter member. In 1936 the family took their membership to the First Mennonite Church at Newton, Kan. where he remained a faithful, active member until his passing.
He attended the academy at Bethel College 1905 to 1909 and taught elementary school for several years.
On May 1, 1913, he was united in marriage to Margaret Schroeder. To this union were born nine children, five sons and four daughters. Two sons died in infancy.
On August 5, 1903, he was ordained to the ministry of the Gospel and served in various capacities during the 35 years of his ministry. For several years he served as district evangelist, seven years as pastor of the Garden Township Mennonite Church, 11 years as deacon of the First Mennonite Church of Newton, and wherever the Lord gave him opportunity to serve.
Father Janzen was a faithful and earnest student and teacher of the Bible. His primary concern was to see his family serve the Lord and be used in the spreading of the Gospel. Throughout his life he promoted and supported missions and the evangelistic outreach of the church. The spiritual life of his family and the church were daily an object of his prayerful concern. His ideals and aims in life have been an inspiration to his devoted family and his many friends.
He leaves to mourn his passing his loving companion, Margaret; seven children with their families, Waldo of Halstead, Edna, Mrs. Edwin Harder, and Marie, Mrs. Daniel Entz, both of Newton, Samuel of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Archie of Greeley, Colo., Amy, Mrs. Weldon Hershberger, and Helen, Mrs. Vilas Hershberger, both of Hesston; 30 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three half-brothers, Herman of Newton, Daniel of Ada, Okla. and Walter of Fort worth, Texas; and one half-sister, Mrs. Marie Nath of Wichita.
II Timothy 4:7, 8, ?I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.?
