Maurice Janssen

Maurice Franklin Janssen was born on April 19, 1938 in Fairbury, Nebraska, to Frank and Viola (Siebolts) Janssen. He was baptized on May 8, 1938 at Zion Lutheran Church near Harbine and confirmed on May 13, 1951 at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury. He attended grade schools in Jefferson & Thayer counties and attended Fairbury High School, graduating in 1956. During high school he was active in the FFA.

Maurice worked for Claussen Hog Farms of Fairbury during high school and on weekends while he attended UNL studying art. While in Lincoln he also worked as a window washer, an elevator operator and deliveryman for Miller & Paine and a janitor at Gold & Company.

Maurice enlisted in the Army and served from March 15, 1961 until March 19, 1964. During his tour he was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas and in Greece.

After his discharge from the Army, Maurice didn’t let his family know, instead he returned to the farm south of Fairbury and surprised his parents. He worked construction with his father for a time and then worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 17 years as a track foreman.

On January 24, 1988 Maurice was united in marriage to Lucinda Knittle at the Faith Lutheran Church in Fairbury. Maurice & Lucinda were kindred spirits and shared a talent for art. They also shared a love for the Lord and taught Sunday School together. They received the 2002 – 2003 Sunday School Teachers of the Year Award, they were the selected from the top 100 nominees nationwide.

Maurice enjoyed the beauty of birds and trees and watching sporting events. He also spent time through the years drawing & painting.

Maurice passed away on April 16, 2013 in Fairbury at the age of 74.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lucinda, a resident at Heritage Care Center in Fairbury. Siblings: Gilbert (Judy) of Lincoln, Arlene (Ivan) Zimmerman of Fairbury, Keith (Barbara) of Ottawa, Kansas, Marjorie Specht of Fairbury, Robert of Fairbury & Ronnie (Janice) of Greenwood. Aunt Vaneda Colgrove of Beatrice and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, nephew Michael Zimmerman and brother-in-law Ray Specht.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Fairbury with Pastor Ken Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury.