Marlin Janzen Life SketchLife sketch Taken from the Funeral
Bulletin
Marlin Janzen was born on a farm near
Aurora, Nebraska on June 1, 1939, to John and Anna (Wiens) Janzen. He
went home to be with the Lord on October 21, 2022 at the age of 83.
He was the third of five children. He worked hard on the farm as a
child and through his school years. Marlin attended a one room school
through 8th grade and graduated from Aurora High School.
During a revival meeting in Henderson,
Nebraska, he gave his heart to Christ, was baptized in the Platt
River in 1953, and became a member of the Henderson Mennonite
Brethren Church. Throughout his life, church memberships included
First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita and Hillsboro Mennonite
Brethren Church. Marlin enjoyed the years he and Lu worked as deacons
in the Hillsboro church.
Marlin graduated from Tabor College in
Hillsboro, Kansas, majoring in Biology and Chemistry; and St. Francis
Medical Technology School in Wichita. He often wished he had gone on
to medical school. His career included years at Wichita?s St
Francis Hospital, William Newton Clinic and Hospital in Winfield,
Salem Hospital in Hillsboro, Hertzler Clinic and Hospital in
Halstead, Axtell Clinic in Newton, and Newton Medical Center. He
enjoyed working, especially when he could perform diagnostic tests
for doctors, many who became personal friends. Marlin was often
recognized as one able to draw blood after others had tried and
failed. He loved working with children and also learned to be an
X-ray technician while on the job at Salem Hospital. His goal was to
complete 50 years as a medical technologist; which he was able to do.
In June of 1960, Marlin and LuElla
Nachtigall were married in Henderson, Nebraska. Mark was born in 1962
and Maura was born in 1966.
Marlin treasured family time, often
taking his children and their friends skiing at the local reservoir
and Marion County Lake. Other activities included snow skiing,
hiking, swimming, taking trips, and playing games.
When grandchildren came along, he
wanted to make sure each of them was able to do things with him and,
as long as he was able, made homemade ice cream for every family
birthday and holiday. In April 2021, his first great-grandchild was
born which was very special to him. Cherished memories included
traveling with LuElla, two trips to Hawaii with his family for
Christmas, and helping with the construction of the homes of Mark and
Betsy and Maura and Glenn.
Throughout his life, Marlin enjoyed
working with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, taking two trips to
Philmont Scout Ranch with hikes of 100 miles each trip. There were
many winter campouts, summer camps, and survival skill activities.
While Scout Master, 12 young men earned Eagle Scout Awards including
his own son, Mark. Marlin was also honored with the Silver Beaver,
Scouting?s highest adult award.
Marlin spent 12 years on the USD 410
school board, including several as Board President leading the
creation of new district programs and multiple construction projects
that improved the educational experiences of district students.
Retirement for Marlin meant continuing
work in his garden and earning compliments on his yard. He grew the
best cantaloupe and loved to give them away along with other
vegetables raised in his garden. Traveling with his family and
attending grandchildren?s events were very important to him. Until
recently, Marlin also enjoyed golfing with friends. Marlin and Lu
loved eating out and visiting with others, playing games, and
attending area sporting and cultural events.
