In loving memory of

David Jansen
November 7, 2009

Interment - Riverview Cemetery - Algona

Dave Jansen, 68, of Algona died Saturday morning at Good Samaritan Society ~ Algona.

Family requests memorials to be given to the David Jansen Memorial Fund or the American Cancer Society.

David Michael Jansen was born May 23, 1941, in Willmar, MN, the son of Clarence and Luella Jansen. Dave was raised in Olivia, MN, and graduated from High School there in 1959. He joined the Army National Guard and was discharged in 1962. Dave attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, for two years then graduated with a B.A. from Mankato State University in 1965. On June 12, 1966, Dave married Kathy Olson in Apple Valley, MN.

Dave began his career with Hormel in Bird Island, MN, as a hog buyer then became Assistant Plant Manger in Algona. After 20 years, Dave purchased Diamonds Men and Boys Store in Algona and became a local businessman, owning the store for another 22 years until retiring in 2007.

Dave especially enjoyed spending time with children and grandchildren, watching their activities as much as possible. Dave also enjoyed his many friends, including those in the gourmet group and card club. He had a passion for fishing in Minnesota, locally and Canada with the same friends annually for 38 years. He was also an avid sports fan, especially watching the Minnesota Vikings, CWL sports, high school or college wrestling and the Minnesota Twins. He was a member of the Elks, Rotary, Honorary clubs, as well as the Algona Chamber of Commerce. He and Kathy were pleased to be Band Day Grand Marshals in 2007. Dave was a member of First Lutheran Church for 31 years where he served on church council for five terms and various church committees.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife Kathy, three children Mark and wife Carolyn (Rahm) Jansen of Marshall, MN, Jodi and husband Andy Grien of Wesley, and Dean Jansen and girlfriend Deena of Denver, CO. as well as six wonderful grandchildren, Holly, Lindsey and Noah of Marshall, MN, and Dallas, Haley and Macy of Wesley. Also surviving are two sisters, Leanne Cruthis of West Dundee, IL, Midge and husband Tim Bubany of Long Lake, MN, and one brother Dick and wife Donna of Olivia, MN, his in-laws Phillip and Jean Olson, Myrtle and Mavis Olson and Chuck and Mariam Flann, all of Bemidji, MN., plus 18 nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents.



Tributes

Mollie Easter wrote on Nov 20, 2009:

"Kathy and family - my deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family. Dave was such a sweet and gentle person. Even though we didn't talk that much, but I could see he was very, very nice to everybody. I always loved going to Diamonds because of Dave. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mollie"

Ryan and Bridget Zittritsch wrote on Nov 19, 2009:

"Kathy and Family - Dave is missed greatly by the Algona community. His smile, great character, and kindness made trips to Diamond's store enjoyable and he always had a few minutes to see how you were doing. He loved and cared for his family and friends and was a great neighbor as I grew up, always checking to see what I was up to! You're in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Ryan and Bridget"

Tracy(Devine) Harmon wrote on Nov 17, 2009:

"Please know you have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Dave Jansen was the kind of guy who always had a smile for you whether he knew you or not. Our community has lost a special person. Tracy, Tony, Hanna, and Cassie Harmon "

Wes Zwiefel wrote on Nov 12, 2009:

"Kathy, You and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers with the loss of Dave. He was a great boss at Diamond's. Furthermore, he was a wonderful person. You and Dave raised a wonderful family. He leaves behind great memories. Take care. -Wes"

Shanna Miller wrote on Nov 11, 2009:

"Dear Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless."

Kay Thompson Opgrande wrote on Nov 10, 2009:

"Blessing and prayers to Kathy and the Jansen family. I am sorry retirememt was short. It was not that long ago we were at OG and Concordia, Moorhead, NDSU and jobs then marriage. It all goes so fast. I remember Jean and myself visting your home and the Diamond store in Algona on a beautiful fall weekend--before tornado I believe. Thinking of you. "

Ryan Halverson & Family wrote on Nov 10, 2009:

"Dean and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I respected your dad a lot as I do you. He was a good man and I see those qualities in you too. Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss."

Elaine, Randy and girls wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"You all have our sympathy on the lose of your Dad. Even though you know it is coming it is still so hard to let them go. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers, Love, Elaine, Randy, Maddy & Olivia Sook"

Don & Beth Egel wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"Kathy and family, we are saddened to hear of Dave's passing. He was a wonderful man. We are keeping you all in our thoghts and prayers. God is with you and will comfort you. Don & Beth Egel "

Karen Munnis-Smith wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"Mark, you are in my thoughts today. Take comfort in the peace and joy of your father. He sounds like such a special man. His spirit will always live within and around you. Kindest Regards, Karen Munnis-Smith "

Rhonda Meulebroeck, Schwan's Food Service, Inc. wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"My condolences on your loss to your family."

Mike & Jennifer Altman wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"Kathy & family, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you & your family. We always loved Dave. He was always so good to us & to our children when we shopped at Diamond's or when he saw us anywhere. He fought a tough battle & I thought & prayed for him often. May he now find the peace he deserves. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Mike & Jennifer Altman & family"

Pete & Roxy Bormann Family wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"We were so sorry to hear about Dave. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers Pete & Roxy Bormann Family"

Nancy Kosksovich Hugo wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"Kathy and Family - So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was one of my very favorite people to work with at Hormel. He was always kind, respectful and made me laugh. I will never forget him. May God be with you all during this difficult time and give you Peace. "

Karen Benschoter wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"I will never forget Dave's kindness when I needed it most. In Jan. of 2008 when my father passed away; Dave offered me a ride to Albert Lea to meet a family member to help with arrangements. On that cold January morning at 5:30 a.m. we set out in a snow storm, even though Dave was taking this trip to Rochester for his cancer, he had the kindness to think of me too. My heart goes out o the Jansen family-I can say I know what you are going through. Somehow, 2 years ago when I was going through this too-an Angel named "Dave" made my day just a little bit brighter. May you finally find peace in God's embrace Dave! "

Karen Benschoter wrote on Nov 9, 2009:

"I will never forget Dave's kindness when I needed it most. In Jan. of 2008 when my father passed away; Dave offered me a ride to Albert Lea to meet a family member to help with arrangements. On that cold January morning at 5:30 a.m. we set out in a snow storm, even though Dave was taking this trip to Rochester for his cancer, he had the kindness to think of me too. My heart goes out o the Jansen family-I can say I know what you are going through. Somehow, 2 years ago when I was going through this too-an Angel named "Dave" made my day just a little bit brighter. May you finally find peace in God's embrace Dave! "

Eric, Lori, Shaun & Scott Von Muenster wrote on Nov 8, 2009:

"Our hearts are breaking for all of your family. It's been a very hard road watching Dave have cancer. God didn't want him to suffer any more and took him in his hands. Kathy, you and Dave have been an inspiration to our family and have touched the lives of many people. We will keep all of you in our prayers."

Brian Mergen wrote on Nov 8, 2009:

"Sorry for your loss. Working for Dave, even the short time that I did, was a great experience. He was always willing to let me try new things, which helped motivate me to go back and finish school. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. "

Joel and Carla Skow family wrote on Nov 8, 2009:

"We are so sorry to hear of your loss! We are keeping you and all your family in our prayes. God Bless! "

Aimee Dunn wrote on Nov 8, 2009:

"So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Aimee Dunn and family"

Joel and Sue Ebert wrote on Nov 8, 2009:

"Dear Kathy and family, We are so saddened to learn of your loss. We recall so many wonderful times with you. We keep you in our prayers and will plan to see you on Tuesday. God's blessins and comfort to you all during this very difficult time. Joel and Sue"

DAVE JANSEN wrote on Nov 7, 2009:

"HE WAS A PRINCE OF A MAN...AMEN"

David and Denise Loss Family wrote on Nov 7, 2009:

"So sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers. What a great man he was and we will forever remember all the fond memories of him as the owner of Diamonds. What a huge loss to our community. God Bless you at this difficult time, cherish all the fond memories he leaves behind. In our prayers, Dave, Denise, McKayla and Brayton Loss"

Diane Stadtlander wrote on Nov 7, 2009:

"With sincere sympathy to you, Kathy, and your family! You and David are greatly respected for your priorities and responsibilites with family and community, and there are many cherished memories everyone is sharing. It is just so sad all your dreams and hopes for retirement ended so soon. Be thankful you took the time you did, all the years before, for great family times in your wonderful home on the lake, and the great trips with your kids and grandkids. They appreciate that!! You've been in my thoughts and prayers. Diane"