John Janssen
John S. Janssen passed away on June 20th, 2025, in Gothenburg, at Hilltop Estates. He was born July 11, 1937 on the family farm northwest of Gothenburg to Heie and Elsie (Miller) Janssen.
John’s early education took place in a one room schoolhouse, District 88 north of Gothenburg through 8th grade. John graduated from Gothenburg High School with the class of 1955. After graduation, John enlisted in the army and proudly served his country for 2 years in Ulm, Germany. He spoke about the ability he had to visit relatives and enjoyed lasting friendships he made in the service.
John married Janice Hamilton on November 13, 1964. To this union three children were born.
Johnny loved the farm life, and country living. He especially enjoyed raising cattle, horses, and mules. Johnny spent years working at various jobs, local farmers, hay mills, and Farmland Coop delivering feed, fertilizer and working in the store. After his retirement, he mentioned his favorite job was giving horse drawn wagon rides at the Pony Express Station.
John attended Cornerstone Bible Church.
John is survived and missed by his loving wife, Janice of 60 years; and their children, David, Elaine (Chad) Smith and Diane (Joe) Wahlgren. Grandchildren, Kelsey (Shane) Hobbs, Kennedy (Parker) Trower, Kaylee (Braeden) Brundage, Kendal (Coleman) Stauffer, Erin (Jason) Gaare, Leah (Ben) Mellema, Connor (Regan) Schwanz, Hayden Schwanz, Keaton and Sam Smith, 10 cherished great grandchildren with 3 more arriving in August, sister -in-laws; Joy Wigle, Carol Brown, and Mary Hamilton Keunzel, and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Genevieve and Willard Hamilton, daughter-in-law Vonnie Janssen, his only sibling and beloved brother, Henry Janssen, sister-in-law Ann Janssen, brother-in-laws; Dennis Brown, Vernon Wigle, and Ronald Hamilton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St. Gothenburg, NE 69138 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00-7:00 PM.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 2:00 PM at Cornerstone Bible Church in Gothenburg, NE, with Pastor Scott Newman officiating.
Burial will follow at in Lindburg Cemetery north of Gothenburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to KJLT Radio, or Cornerstone Bible Church.