George Arthur Janssens

In Loving Memory of
George
 Janssens
age 90
George was predeceased by his wife Leona. 
He is lovingly remembered by his children 
Ron (Cindy), Beverley (Morley), and 
Barry (Patti),
 as well as their families

Died
November 16, 2021
Deloriane Health Centre 
Deloraine, Manitoba

Mass
Friday, November 19, 2021
St. Antoninus Catholic Church
Deloraine, Manitoba
10:30 a.m.

* Proof of Vaccination Required to enter church.
** Covid protocols will be followed. 

Interment ~ Deloraine Catholic Cemetery

Donations in memory of George may be
 made to a charity of one’s choice. 

George Arthur Janssens passed away peacefully on November 16, 2021 at the Deloraine Health Centre with family by his side.
He was predeceased by Leona Janssens, his wife of 62 years.  George is survived by his three children Ron (Cindy) Janssens, Beverley (Morley) Smith and Barry (Patti) Janssens and their families and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Maurice and Sharlene Raes.
George was predeceased by his parents Henri and Irma Janssens, in-laws Cyrille and Bertha Raes, sisters Yvonne (Alex) Vanrobaeys, Simone (Lloyd) Adams, and brother Gaston (Rachel) Janssens.
George was born on December 13th, 1930 and lived all of his 90 plus years in the Deloraine community.   George was the youngest of the family and had a sister Yvonne and twin sibling’s Simone and Gaston. His family moved to the home farm, 13-3-23, north east of Deloraine in 1941. Farming was in George’s blood from birth and a life long passion that he loved.  He attended school in Deloraine and Kirkwood. 
George and Leona met as children, as the two families were close friends.  They were married October 20, 1953 and at this point took over the family farm from his father Henri. They jointly managed their mixed farming operation sowing and harvesting many crops, milking cows for over 22 years and raising chickens. They moved to town in 1987 and built their new house.  George and Leona retired in 1995 although they remained active on the farm assisting where needed.
He was a very dedicated walker, walking around town every morning and stopping to visit along the way. The winter months saw George using his treadmill faithfully to avoid the icy streets.  
George and Leona made numerous good friends and enjoyed spending time with each of them. They shared coffee with their farm neighbours, the Beuselinck’s every Tuesday morning. This tradition carried on for over 60 years.  
They bought their cabin on Lake Hasselfield in 1980 and although George didn’t like the water he loved spending time with good friends . The lake saw them host an annual Belgium bowling competition which was enjoyed by all in attendance.
George was an avid curler for many years and also played competitively at the Master’s level in Brandon with his close buddies. George and Leona looked forwarded to spending a week holiday every year to watch the Men’s Provincial curling live throughout Manitoba. 
They also were baseball fans watching the Deloraine Royals or Toronto Blue Jays on a regular basis.
George and Leona also had a good time on several vacations with friends and cherished the memories they made on their trip to visit relatives in Belgium.
 He attended church regularly and helped in the community by delivering Meals on Wheels. 
In 2015 at the age of 85 George lost his wife Leona who was always the manager of their household. He was able to stay in their home until 2020 when he was 89 years old after learning new skills. He prided himself on continuing the daily household chores as well as blowing his own snow, mowing the grass and planting a garden.  He moved to the Centennial Apartments last year after a decline in his health where he enjoyed the meals and visiting with his new apartment friends.  
George loved and cherished his grand children, Adam (Angie) Janssens, Amy (Brad) Ressler, Brett (Jessica) Smith, Sam (Wyatt) Common and Emily Janssens.  Also four great grandchildren, Abby and Arianna Janssens and Ethan and Seth Ressler. Over the years he attended as many of their events as possible and always looked forward to their visits prepared with boxes of Smarties for the kids.
He will be missed dearly by family and friends. He was a gentle old farmer with a kind soul, a dry sense of humour and a huge smile that will be remembered by all who knew him. Rest Well.
A funeral took place on November 19, 2021 at St. Antonious Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. followed by a burial at the Deloraine Catholic Cemetery.  The Legion ladies served lunch at the Deloraine Legion .  Donations in memory of George may be made to a charity of one’s own choice.