Donald Janssen

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

While at home watching one of his beloved old westerns on TV, Don left this world to meet his heavenly father on July 22, 2016. 

Donald Lloyd Janssen, 89, was born in May of 1927 to John D. and Mary Janssen in Benton County, Indiana. He graduated from Momence High School, Momence, IL in 1946 and enlisted in the U. S. Army. Don spent time prior to the Korean conflict with a good will team and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, Japan. He married Edith Marie Holmberg in 1949 in Momence, IL. They began farming and raising three children, Dale L. Janssen (Peg), Dana J. Bunn (Greg) all of Joplin, MO, and Eric R. Janssen (Nancy) of Webb City, MO. In 1962, they moved their family to a farm north of Alba, MO. Edith passed away 11 years later and Don married Alberta Fosdick in 1974. She preceded him in death in November 2012. 

In addition to farming, Donald also looked to the roofing, trucking, and upholstery businesses for his family’s livelihood. He was a long time member of Alba Christian Church. He remained active until 2 weeks prior to his death, driving himself to events at the Joplin senior center, mowing his lawn, and visiting his personal trainer twice a week at VIP in Joplin. Don was also preceded in death by his half-brothers, Ray Janssen (Ruthie) of Dekalb, IL and Elmer Janssen (Genevieve) of Lafayette, IN and half sister, Margaret Schurr (Alfred) of Chebanse, IL and sister Mary Ann. Don is survived by his three children, two step-children, Fred Fosdick (Vickie) of Carthage, MO and Terry Ingram (Chuck) of Lawton, OK, two brothers, Charles Janssen (Dorothy) of Clifton, IL and Lee Janssen (Marilyn) of Momence, IL two sisters, Phyllis Booi (the late Marvin) of Momence, IL and Rosalie Simoneau (the late Jack) of Clifton, IL, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial visitation is scheduled for Thursday evening, July 28 at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorial Services will be held at Alba Christian Church at 3 pm on Friday. Interment of his cremated remains will follow the memorial service in Oronogo Cemetery with full military honors. A second interment of his cremated remains will be held in Momence, Illinois at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers gifts to the Alba Christian Church in his honor. 

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.