Obituary of Jacob Benjamin Janzen

Jacob Benjamin Janzen – April 10, 1942 – August 5, 2023

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jake Janzen (“Sammy”, “Yash”) on August 5, 2023.

He leaves behind his wife (of 60 years) Maryann and children Allen & Susan, Annette & Larry, and Richard.  He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Kaila (Alasdair) Daw, Dean (Katie) Janzen, Alyssa (Brandon) Benoit, Derrick Janzen, and Ally.  As well as his great-grandchildren, Zoe & Ryan Daw, Madison & Emily Janzen, and Eloise Benoit.

Jake was born on April 10, 1942, and grew up on a farm on Hunter Rd in Niagara.  He is predeceased by his parents Henry & Mary Janzen and all his siblings, Henry, Rudy, John, Nick, George (infancy), Maryanne, Anita, Luise (in infancy) and Hilda.  Jake had many stories about his growing up years.  They were a lively bunch.

This past April Jake & Maryann celebrated 60 years together.  Family was always his number one priority, and he loved them all.

Jake loved life and had a happy personality.  He often whistled while he worked and could do it in harmony to music.  He liked to sing, dance and enjoyed listening to country and gospel music.  He had a great sense of humor, a quick wit and enjoyed a good joke.

Jake enjoyed Hockey (Die-Hard Leaf Fan). He played “the nets” in his youth and coached minor hockey for many years.  Hockey was in the family DNA as both sons and grandsons played.

Jake worked for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for 31 years.  He started out as a labourer/heavy equipment operator and for the last 20 years as the Foreman for the Roads Dept.  He often said, “I had the best job!” He has enjoyed 25 years of retirement, much of it spent doing odd jobs for family as well as having fun with family, friends, and fishing at the cottage.  Jake also had many great family times in Florida, and many other trips across Canada and the US.

As per Jake’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A private funeral will be held. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Caroline Cellars, 1010 Line 2 Rd. #358, Virgil, Ontario from 2-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Red Roof Retreat.