Services
Obituary
Vern Janssen, age 96, of Belmond, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2016 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. Pastor Doug Love. Burial will take place in the Meservey Cemetery.
Vern Glen, son of Heiko and Grace (Hafermann) Janssen, was born on July 29, 1919 on the family farm near Thornton. On August 6, 1939, Vern was united in marriage to Edna Peterson. The couple was blessed with two sons: Wayne and Michael. They made their home southeast of Meservey where Vern farmed until 1980.
After leaving the farm, Vern enjoyed many years of travel delivering Winnebago motor homes and also personal sightseeing trips. He traveled to every state in the continental United States, most of Canada, Mexico, and several trips overseas to visit Israel and Denmark.
He enjoyed exploring the country, visiting with the people he met, and learning about many new things. He loved his trips to Texas for grapefruit, to Montana for cherries, and to Ohio for bacon and butter.
He participated in RAGBRAI several years, drawing attention with his trademark overalls and hat as he pedaled his recumbent bicycle down the Iowa roads.
In recent years, he enjoyed bicycling around town and daily visits with others at Bloemke's Pharmacy.
Vern is survived by his son, Michael Janssen, six grandchildren Tony (Sherry) Janssen, Joan Janssen, Marnie Stone, Susan (Kendal) Klinge, Kevin (Jennifer) Janssen, Kimberly (Todd) Marnin; 12 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law Norma Salier, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife Edna, wife Trudy, son Wayne, parents Heiko and Grace, two brothers and one sister.