> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic PETER JANZEN Obituary pic

PETER JANZEN

Born: Mar 24, 1945

Date of Passing: Oct 04, 2016

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PETER JANZEN It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband and father, Peter Janzen, on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at the age of 76. Peter will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Mary, his daughter Jodi (Chad), his son Paul (Sara), and his cherished grandchildren, Bennett, Claire, Grace, Olivia, and Noah. Peter is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth, Mari (John), Lena (John), and Anne (Vic); brothers Henry, Leonard, and Menno (Linda); sisters-in-law Mary and Mary; and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth Janzen, sister Tina and her husband John, brothers Ben and John, sister-in-law Della, and brother-in-law George. Born March 24, 1945 in Morden, Peter was a lifelong educator. A love of Shakespeare and classic literature was nurtured at the University of Winnipeg, and led to a teaching career that began in an elementary classroom in Altona, and ended at JH Bruns Collegiate in Winnipeg, where he served as Principal up until his retirement. His commitment to education extended beyond students, as he gave up weekends and summer holidays to help teachers develop their craft in remote areas stretching from Northern Manitoba to the Caribbean. Beyond his chosen profession, Peter enjoyed commiserating with friends and former colleagues over coffee, on the golf course, and at the curling rink. Widely regarded - and occasionally feared - for his long memory and sharp wit, Peter heartily enjoyed cracking jokes as he deftly rolled with the punches. His great sense of humour made him a popular choice for MC duties at numerous weddings and family celebrations. And never lacking in confidence, Peter was more than happy to oblige. But with that confidence came an incredible sense of humility, and duty. Whenever someone needed a hand, he was there to offer it. Whenever someone needed a favour, he was quick to volunteer himself. Along with that, Peter possessed an incredible work ethic - born and bred on the family farm near Morden. And he loved to reward effort. Look no further than his children. Once accepted into ambitious academic programs, he sacrificed mightily to support their studies in Chicago and Atlanta, and launch their careers in Minnesota and New York. Of course, none of this could have materialized without the love and compassion of his beautiful wife, Mary. First introduced by mutual friends when Mary was working in Fargo, North Dakota, a cross-border romance quickly ensued. And blossomed. Before long, Peter popped the question, and they were married in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on July 23, 1967. Their shared faith and devotion to one another made for a happy home that was always open to friends, new and old. And years later, as Peter's health began to fail, it helped make the good times spectacular, and the tough times forgettable. A man of great integrity. A friend in need. A loving husband. A beloved father. All these words add up to the man Peter was. But they'll never outweigh our feelings for him. A memorial service will take place in Winnipeg on Tuesday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, 350 Gilmore Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 350 Gilmore Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2G 2B7; and the Seven Oaks Hospital Foundation, Attn: CDIC, 2300 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3M3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2016

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • Condolences to all the family members and friends. When you're 50 years old and looking back at role models that were the foundation of who you are and how they shaped your life for the better. Mr.Janzen was one of those people for me. If the world was full of Mr. Janzen's the world would be a better place. I thank all my teachers and staff members. If it was not for you, me and many other people would be unable talk, write, learn and communicate. Thank you from my heart for going to school and university and then passing on your learning's to your students. - Posted by: Steve Labelle (former student) on: Aug 20, 2018

  • Prendergast School was overflowing when a handful of students was (not were) transferred early in the '67 school year to General Vanier. Mr. Janzen integrated us into his class - with class. And even after almost a half century, I recall how my respect for him was invited rather than demanded. - Posted by: Ted Hull (Former Student) on: Oct 13, 2016

  • Truly inspirational, Peter was my home room teacher in grade 8 at General Vanier School and grade 12 at Windsor Park Collegiate. He taught me to appreciate literature and to love life. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Bryan DePape (student) on: Oct 11, 2016

  • We were lucky students to have such a kind and focused teacher as Mr Janzen was. We missed him recently at a reunion of the classes of 1971-72. I would like to say that I took away many thoughts, that to this day, I still write on paper, because of his introduction to famous writers. His class was one of my favourites as it was for many of us. Please know that we are thinking of your family at this time. - Posted by: Laurie GydĂ© (Former student at WPC..) on: Oct 10, 2016

  • We first met Peter in 1983 when our son Neil started high school at J.H Bruns. When moving back to Winnipeg we had reservations about our children going to Bruns due to the reputation we had heard about the school. We were so pleased to find out from other teachers, and neighbours that things had dramatically changed in the time that Mr. Janzen had taken over as Principal. Not long after Nancy was working at Lions Manor when Mary came to work there as well and we became friends. Peter became a a great mentor, teacher and confident to Neil and our other children James and Jennifer. He will be always remembered and missed. Mary, Jodi and Paul our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Thomas and Nancy Switzer (Friends) on: Oct 10, 2016

  • I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. He was my principal at JH Bruns - we both started there in 1980, he as Principal, me as a Grade 9 student. His sense of humour, obvious care and concern for the students at school was an inspiration when I became a teacher. Although sad, I also have a smile on my face as I remember times shared and jokes and stories told. - Posted by: Sue Wilton (Butler) (former student) on: Oct 09, 2016

  • I, and no doubt others, will always remember Peter as a true professional in the education field as well as having a keen sense of humor along with a generous amount of compassion. He will be sorely missed at the monthly breakfast meetings with the rest of his associates from the St. Boniface S.D. - Posted by: Edward Katz (Former teaching colleague) on: Oct 08, 2016

❮ Go Back to Listings