Gerald W. Jantzen

Gerald W. Jantzen was born on February 15, 1940, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Abraham and Agnes (Albrecht) Jantzen. He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1957 and went on to attend Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. On August 25, 1961, he married Rogena Friesen at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, Nebraska and together raised three boys, Kevin, Kerry and Keith and enjoyed a loving marriage for 63 years.

Gerald proudly served for two years in 1-W service at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. Throughout his life he lived in Henderson and several places near Beatrice before settling on a farmstead outside of Plymouth, Nebraska. This farm became a cherished part of his legacy, a place filled with hard work and family memories.

Growing up on the farm, Gerald developed a deep connection to the land and animals. He spent countless hours with chores and learning the responsibilities that came with farm life. Raising hogs was one of his greatest passions and he often recalled the challenges and rewards of managing them. Loading the hogs was often a test of his patience, as they rarely moved in the intended direction.  Occasionally this led to the boys learning a new word or two! The farm was also home to various animals and Gerald had a special love for them. He cared for several dogs with his favorite being King, a gentle giant of a Saint Bernard who was his loyal companion. The bond Gerald had with animals reflected his caring nature and his belief in the value of all living creatures.  

Gerald's upbringing on the farm shaped his character. He learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. The lessons he learned in those early years influenced how he raised his own family. Gerald could always be found with several 3 1/2” x 5” index cards that he used to organize and prioritize tasks. He would often use these same notecards to assign chores to his boys, instilling in them the same work ethic and dedication he had learned from his childhood and the boys learned the importance of having those chores done by the time dad arrived home!  This same work ethic carried over to his 29 years at the Farmers Coop Feedmill in Plymouth.  After retirement, he worked for Goossen Industries, local farmers and drove for the Ford dealership in town.

On a confession of his faith Gerald was baptized on May 20th, 1956 at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice where he served on the finance committee and was active in many other aspects of the church.  He remained a dedicated member of the church until his health no longer allowed him to attend.  His quiet, steadfast faithfulness guided him throughout his life.  The boys remember the weekly devotions at Sunday morning breakfast that he read religiously, regardless of how boring they thought it was!

As a devoted grandfather, Gerald spent countless hours attending his grandchildren's sporting events and cherishing every moment spent with them. He took great joy in supporting their activities, building strong relationships, and creating lasting memories that his grandchildren will forever treasure.

In his free time, Gerald was a passionate supporter of Nebraska football and volleyball. One of the boys’ favorite memories was attending Husker football games together with their dad where they may have participated in activities that their mother wouldn’t have approved of, creating a bond of shared mischief and laughter!  He enjoyed morning coffee with his “coffee buddies”, playing cards and solitaire, and doing puzzles. He loved reading and visiting the library, collecting stamps, coins, sports cards and John Deere tractors. Unknown to most, Gerald enjoyed writing poetry and often composed heartfelt verses for special occasions.  Family gatherings were filled with laughter and late-night bowls of ice cream.  He always enjoyed Rogena’s baking (especially Apple Prieske) and often complained that he did not get any, enough or that Mom gave it all away!

Gerald passed away on October 25, 2024, at Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation after several years of failing health. He will be remembered for his hard work, love of animals, creativity in poetry, and the lasting impact he had on his family.

He is survived by his wife, Rogena; children Kevin (Cindy) of Wichita, KS, Kerry (Kate) of Naples, FL and Keith (Sonia) of Hickman, NE;  grandchildren Brenden, Tatiana, Natalia, Alexis, and Mackenzie; siblings Dorothy Luker of Glendale, AZ, Harlan Jantzen of Denver, CO, Ernest Jantzen of Beatrice, NE, Alvin (Jane) Jantzen of Leo, IN, Ruth Lunn of San Tan Valley, AZ; brother-in-law Rendy (Verda) Friesen, sisters-in-law Donita Friesen, Marlene Flodman all of Aurora, NE; and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; sister Erna Thieszen and husband Aldon; sisters-in-law Neva Jantzen and Marlyn Friesen; and brothers-in-law Phil Lunn, Delmer Friesen and Arlo Friesen.  

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, November 1, 2024 at First Mennonite Church west of Beatrice with Pastor Josh Janzen officiating. The service will be live streamed on the FMC Beatrice YouTube page. Private inurnment will be in the Mennonite Cemetery. There will be no viewing but a register book will be available on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from 9 AM to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 PM. Memorials are suggested to the First Mennonite Church or the Mennonite Cemetery in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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