Vernon C. Janssen

Vernon C. Janssen, 87, of Forreston, died Thursday, December 16, 2010 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born March 15, 1923, in Oldenberg, Germany, the son of Frederick and Maria (Weber) Janssen. Vernon farmed in Ogle and Carroll Counties retiring in the early 1980s. He married Marian Kampen on March 11, 1953 in Forreston, Illinois. A member of the Forreston Reformed Church, Vernon had a strong faith in the Lord. He was a devoted dairy farmer, an avid bowler, gardener, and euchre player, and had a strong love for farming, his wife, and family. He enjoyed playing catch with his children and grandchildren as well as afternoon cookie and tea lunches in the fields delivered by them. Survivors include; wife, Marian Janssen of Forreston, three sons: Bradley Janssen of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Rev. Dr. Brian (Susanne) Janssen of Hospers, Iowa, and Daniel (Lisa) Janssen of Diamond Point, New York, daughter Cheryl (James) Westphal of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, brother-in-law Alvin Kemper, two sisters-in-law; Lorraine Janssen of Pecatonica and Darlene Janssen of Freeport, eight grandchildren; Dustin Kirby (Stephanie Bradle), Brittney and Haylie Westphal, David, Kristin, and Jonathan Janssen, and Ava and Ruby Janssen, and one great granddaughter, Taytem Kirby. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Fritz and Henry Janssen, two sisters: Marianna Kemper and Elfreda Dieken, and one grandson Derek Kirby. Funeral Services will be Tuesday 10:30 A.M. in the Forreston Reformed Church. Visitation will be Monday, 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. Burial will be at Forreston Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.