Dean Francis Janssen, age 83 of Waupaca. Loving husband, caring father and wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 with his loving wife at his side.
Beloved husband of Pauline for 62 years, their devotion and love for one another was an inspiration for all who knew them. His family will cherish his loving memory. Dean was born on October 11, 1929 in Oconto to the late Ernest and Helen Janssen. After graduating from Oconto High School, Dean studied at St. Norbert College. On September 29, 1951 he married Pauline Thornton. They lived in De Pere, Wisconsin with their growing family before moving to Waupaca in 1968. Dean was employed as Plant Manager at Filter Materials from 1968-1976. He worked at Waupaca Foundry from 1976-1993 and retired as Personnel Manager. Dean was very active in the Waupaca Chamber of Commerce, Waupaca Industrial Development Corporation and the Waupaca Nomads. He was an avid baseball and softball player and enjoyed woodworking, golfing, gardening and watching sports on television, especially the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. Dean was also a strong supporter of Waupaca High School sports teams.
He is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters: Mary (William) Bokath, Overland Park, KS; Lynn Janssen, Amherst Junction; Deanna Janssen, Waukesha; Gina (Nick) Trzebiatowski, Amherst Junction, and Jill Janssen, Amsterdam, Netherlands; sons: Michael (Susan) Janssen, Fairfield Glade, TN; Stephen (Cathy) Janssen, Appleton; Paul (Debra) Janssen, Des Moines, IA, and Mark (Rita) Janssen-Singh, Oak Park, IL; beloved father-in-law to Thomas Pionke, Waupaca and Renee Janssen, Overland Park, KS. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sandra, son Jerry, and brother Gail (Janice) Janssen. He is further survived by 18 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, brother Leon (Betsy) Janssen, and other relatives and dear friends.
Dean’s family wishes to extend a thank you to Dr. Earl Anderson, Dr. William Guenther, Dr. Editha Krueger and the staff at Park Vista and the Martha Siekman Cancer Center at Appleton Medical Center for their wonderful care and compassion. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jerry Salan for his friendship, advocacy and tireless support of Dean and Pauline during this difficult time.
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Waupaca, Father Paul Vanden Hogen officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and also on Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at the church. A memorial fund has been established in Dean’s name.