Marvin Janssen

Marvin Henry Janssen, 87, of Wellsburg, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Doyen Chapel, in Wellsburg. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in rural Ackley, Iowa. Burial will follow at the West Friesland Church Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Wellsburg AMVETS Post No. 91 and American Legion Post No. 213. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Marvin was born on the family farm north of Ackley, on April 16, 1931. He was the loving son of Henry V. and Henrietta (Kolthoff) Janssen. Marvin attended country school in rural Wellsburg and then began helping his father on the family farm. He entered the United States Army in 1952 and served in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1954. Upon Marvin’s return to Iowa, he once more assisted his father on the family farm. Marvin was united in marriage to Ruth Riebkes on March 4, 1956. Together they made their home in rural Wellsburg and they welcomed three children into their family. Marvin worked his entire life on the family farm and retired in 1993.

Marvin was a long-time member of Faith Presbyterian Church, which has become Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, there he served the church as a deacon. He enjoyed music, played the piano by ear, and loved dancing with his wife. Marvin’s true joy in life came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Janssen; son Keith Duane Janssen of Waterloo; daughters Sharon (Dean) Werkman of Waverly and Lisa (Ryan) Bakker of Steamboat Rock; grandchildren Clayton and Collin Werkman and Trevor, Haley and Morgan Bakker; and brother Vernon Janssen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Virgil, Delmer, and Kenneth Janssen; and sisters Agnes Ward and Carol Glenn.