Ger Arthur Janzen

We are grieved to announce the sudden passing of Ger Arthur Janzen, 51, of Elm Creek on the evening of Friday, August 28, 2009. Beloved husband of Debbie, adored father of Ashley, Melodie, Kristen and Janessa, son of Abe and Aggie Janzen of Carman

Besides his parents, wife, and daughters, he leaves to mourn Terry Janzen, Jane Schultz Janzen and Jonathan, Ron and Deb Janzen, Marv and Tana, Thomas, Benjamin, and Hannah Janzen, Clifton and Sylvia Abrahamson, Brenda and Ron, Austin and Lisa Stickel, Ferlin and Elizabeth, Bethany, and Jeffrey Abrahamson, Laurel and Tim, Rylan, Jesssie, and Joanna Schroeder, Darrell and Kelsie, Aaron, Kassidy, and Anika Abrahamson, Boni and Wade, Dylan, Sydney, and Nathan Schiltroth, Rod and Abigail, Sharmyn, Myles, Colten, and Zane Abrahamson, Robin and Scott, Brook-Lynn, Dawson, and Easton Dick, Karla and Ken, Jarred, Wyatt, and Levi Reader, Lana and Vern, Olivia, Reuben and Rachel Knutson, and Chad and Natalie Abrahamson

Born April 8, 1958 in Winnipeg, he spent his first few years in Elm Creek but in June of 1961, his parents moved the family to the farm at Section 1-8-4W. It is here where he spent the majority of his life, growing, learning, living and loving. Being the second of four brothers, he learned to carve his own niche in the family.

Growing up on a mixed farm with three other brothers meant that there was always a lot of daily chores and outdoor work to do. Making hay in 30 degree heat and humidity wasn’t anybody’s favourite job, but usually the reward was a trip to the beach after the work was done!

After graduating from high school in Elm Creek, Ger attended Winkler Bible Institute for two years. These two years included numerous tubing parties at the farm with his Bible School friends, but also were an integral part of forming his faith.

Ger was interested in anything with a motor, and although he never had any formal mechanical training, there wasn’t much that he was afraid to try to fix. He actually worked as a full time mechanic for a local car dealership, while also successfully operating a cash crop farm with his dad and older brother.

One of his first jobs was driving highway tractor for a neighbor, and although he didn’t stay in this field, he did return to it periodically in between other jobs, or if he had a break and someone needed a driver.

Married to Debbie Abrahamson November 10, 1990 they lived in a mobile home near Homewood and Ger began his career as a valued farm hand. Ashley and Melodie were born during this time. In September 1995, he and his family purchased the home farmstead where he lived until his passing. Kristen and Janessa were born after this move. It was here that Ger and Debbie began to grow much of their own food. Cows, chickens, pigs and a huge garden kept them very busy. Even though the haymaking had never been Ger’s favorite pastime, he knew how his Debbie loved raising cows, and he never complained.

His love of all things farm related was only superseded by his love for singing and he sang in several different male quartets over the years. If the four brothers were together for a family gathering, and there was a piano around, invariably some music making ensued. Sometimes dad would join in as well. Ger’s involvement in a Praise team at his church was an important commitment for him. In all these settings, his strong tenor voice will be sorely missed.

Ger’s strong faith in God was evidenced by his compassion for others in need. It was not out of the ordinary for him to stop beside a troubled motorist and do what needed to be done in order to get them up and driving again. He and his family had spent several vacations helping others less fortunate than them and had been planning to do so again this winter.

Ger loved his girls and they loved him back. When he would return home from a long day’s work, many times they would mob him at the door. He always had time for them. Janessa, the youngest, would awake at 6:00 in the morning so that she could eat breakfast together with her dad. The older girls all competed to help with the driving when it was time to make the hay.

His most recent job was at local large cash crop farming operation as their lead farmhand/mechanic. Ger didn’t watch a clock, he wanted to stay until the job was successfully completed. He didn’t have a share in the farm, but he worked as if he did.

Ger will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends. It is hard to understand why he left us so early, but we celebrate the many memories that he made with us. We don’t say goodbye, we say "Auf wiedersehn" because we have the certain knowledge that we will see him again someday in glory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Camps International or Mennonite Disaster Service.

Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. (www.doyleschapels.com)