Alvin Jacob Janzen

Alvin Jacob Janzen was born May 15, 1938 to Jacob and Maria (Driedger) Janzen, the oldest of two children.

Alvin grew up on a farm north of Elm Creek, attended the Wingham School, as well as spending two years at MCI in Gretna.

After completing his education, he returned home and continued farming with his Dad. He always loved motors and anything GM that drove fast and made a lot of noise.

He attended Wingham Mennonite church and was baptized upon the confession of his faith on June 23, 1968, and later transferred his membership to the Carman Mennonite church on Aug. 25, 2005. He faithfully attended and supported his church with the gifts and talents God had given him.

He married Margaret Friesen Dalke on August 3, 1968. The addition of Margaret and Reynold to the Janzen family brought a new dimension of joy to all of our lives. Anita completed the family circle in 1973.

Alvin and Margaret farmed in Elm Creek area until failing health caused him to scale down his physical activity. In June of 2011, he was admitted to Boundary Trails Health Center, with everyone hoping he would regain his mobility, but the Lord had other plans for him. He was released from his suffering, when God called him home on Sunday January 15 at 9:30, with his family gathered around his bedside.

During the past months, the family has appreciated the many, many visits from so many of you. Your love and concern helped brighten his days.

Thank you Pastor Bob for your regular and encouraging visits, for being with us, when Alvin took his last breath. May God richly reward you.

Thank you also to the staff at Boundary Trails and Carman Memorial Hospital. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Boyne Lodge for their phenomenal care for Alvin during the last 3 months of his life.

After 73 years and 8 months, Alvin has truly "fought the good fight, has finished the race and has kept the faith." As a family, we look forward to meeting him again. Shaloam, Alvin, until we meet again.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, son Reynold and wife Kathy and their family, Ryan, Kelly, and Trent of Stephenfield, MB, daughter Anita and her husband Rob Gemmell and their family, Trace and Zoe of Portage la Prairie, MB. sister Lora and husband Martin Durksen of Winkler, MB nephew Rick Durksen of Fort St. John, BC., niece Marlo and her husband Leon Friesen of Morden, MB. and their children Bryn and Corbin as well as his brothers and sisters in-law; Dave and Margaret Friesen, Abe and Marie Friesen, Menno and Shirley Friesen, John and Mari Friesen, Susan and Don Melvin, Leonard and Frances Friesen and their families. He was predeceased by one grandson, Keenan Gemmell in infancy and one sister-in-law.

Rest in peace dear brother.