Robert Duane Janssen

Robert Duane Janssen was born August 31, 1954, in Fairbury, Nebraska, to Viola D (Siebolts) and Frank T Janssen. He passed away on February 7, 2026, in Fairbury, Nebraska. Robert grew up on the family farm south of Fairbury. He was baptized and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church, Fairbury.

Robert attended District 51 south of Fairbury through the 8th grade, then on to Fairbury High School, where he graduated in 1972.

While in high school, Robert was employed doing farm work for neighbors, and after graduating, he took over farming on the family farm. In 1992, Robert took a summer to visit Alaska, a place he had always dreamed of visiting. He was able to complete the spring planting before driving to Alaska. While there, he worked for the University of Alaska on its Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station in Palmer, Alaska. He had many stories to tell when he returned home in time for the fall harvest. Not long after that experience, he made the decision to move to Gilby, North Dakota, to continue farm work.

Robert also spent time in Caldwell, Idaho, where he worked for the Dairy Gold cheese factory. Robert’s health started to decline, so he moved back to Nebraska.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Brother Maurice, and his wife Lucinda, brothers-in-law. Ray Specht, Ivan Zimmerman, Sister-in-law Judy Janssen, Niece DeDra Robb, nephews Kevin Zimmerman and Michael Zimmerman.

He is survived by brothers Gilbert of Lincoln, NE, Keith (Barbara) of Ottawa, KS, Ron (Janice) of Greenwood, NE,

Sisters, Arlene Zimmerman and Marge Specht, both of Fairbury, and many cousins, nephews, and one niece.

Graveside service will be held 1:30 Sunday, May 17, at the Prairie Home Cemetery, Diller, NE. Memorials are requested to the family’s choice. Please make memorials out to Arlene Zimmerman C/O Robert Janssen Memorial and mailed to Arlene at 56425, 710th RD, Fairbury, NE 68352