In Loving Memory of
Peter 
Janzen
age 93
Lovingly remembered by his wife Lena, children 
Rudy (Carrie), Dave (Nancy), and Barb (Ken) as well as son-in-law Ben. Peter is predeceased by his first 
wife Mary and daughter Margaret.

Died
April 29, 2025
Bayside PCH
Killarney, Manitoba

Memorial Service
Friday, May 9, 2025
Killarney Mennonite Church
Killarney, Manitoba
11:00 a.m.
 To view the livestream please click here.

Interment ~ Killarney Cemetery

Donations in memory of Peter may be made
 to Turtle Mountain Bible Camp Box 1198 
Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0 or to 
a charity of one’s choice.

 

Peter Janzen of Killarney, Manitoba went to be with his Lord and Saviour on April 29, 2025 in Killarney at the age of 93. 

Peter is survived by his beloved wife Lena, sons Rudy (Carrie) and David (Nancy), son-in-law Bernhard Dueck, and daughter Barbara (Ken Reimer), 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, his brother Jacob (Leona), a number of nephews and nieces, a few of his cousins, and members of the Thiessen and Brandt families.
He was predeceased by his first wife Mary and their daughter Margaret, parents Peter and Barbara Janzen, sisters and brother-in-law's Agatha (Oliver) Whiteway, Tina (Jake) Fast, Betty (Henry) Froese, and Mary (Peter Froese).

Peter was born September 27, 1931 to Peter and Barbara (nee Dyck) Janzen in the family's two room home on the western outskirts of the village of Whitewater Manitoba.

Peter was the little brother to sisters Agatha, Tina, Betty, & Mary who resided at home with the exception of Agatha who was already working. A younger brother, Jacob, was born approximately six years later bringing the siblings number to six.

Peter thanks his Lord for the privilege of having had Christian parents whose guidance and positive influence played a major role in his growing up and adult years of life.

Peter received his education at the Petersburg elementary school located in the village of Whitewater. He attended Sunday School until the age of fourteen. Church attendance continued. In due time Peter joined the mixed choir and later also sang in the male choir when it was formed several years later, always lending his deep bass voice.

In 1945, when Peter had just turned 14, his father died on October 8th after a lengthy illness. Although the family did not farm, their livelihood was dependent on a small herd of milk cows, poultry, and a large garden. This prompted Peter to stay home at the end of the 1945/46 school year to carry out the manly duties. While he was able to obtain seasonal employment and began his own farm operation in 1951 he always was at home during haying season and winter months to look after the livestock. Peter developed a love for livestock, particularly horses, in his childhood years. As he grew older it was his goal to be a farmer. In 1950 he had the equity to by a new John Deere B tractor to commence farming with the help of his brother-in-law Henry Froese.
In addition to lands Henry already farmed, he had arranged to rent an additional half section for 1951 which would be shared with Peter. Thus began his farming career progressing to another two rented farms, the purchase of three quarters, and eventually to selling those lands and the purchase of five quarters northeast of Killarney in 1970.
His farm operation prospered here and He farmed there until 1986 when the farm, machinery, and livestock were sold. During the course of time Peter's livestock herd increased to a sizeable cow/calf operation in addition to a number of good quality horses. His herd of Hereford cross cattle and last team of horses were his pride and joy.

After retirement from the farm, with more time on his hands, Peter developed his musical skills more fully. Peter enjoyed playing and singing gospel songs and hymns in musical groups in homes, senior homes, senior camps, etc. A mandolin purchased in his you were replaced with a number of newer ones of better quality. Additionally a bass violin and a banjo were added to his collection which he played for his own enjoyment.
He enjoyed playing records, tapes, and CD's at home, especially those of male quartets and choirs. Because of his failing eye sight and changes in technology, while still able, he learned to record a goodly number of his record collection on to tapes so he could listen to them as his ability to see became more difficult.

In the fall of 1950 Peter accepted the Lord as his Saviour during evangelistic services. He was baptized by Rev G.G. Neufeld on Pentecost Day in 1951 upon confession of his faith and accepted as a member of the Whitewater Mennonite Church. The verse given him was:
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I Timothy 6:12

Peter met his wife Mary Thiessen from Alexander Manitoba at a wedding of mutual acquaintances in Manitou the fall of 1955. During a time of letter writing and visits a relationship was established and with the approval of Mary's parents, David and Margaret Thiessen, they were engaged in the spring of 1956. Following their engagement Sunday visits were made on a regular basis made possible with improved transportation and others filling in for him to do his Sunday evening milking on the farm he was then renting.

Peter and Mary were married October 20, 1956 in the Oak Lake Mennonite Church.
Immediately after the wedding they moved to a newly rented farm in the Mountainside, Manitoba community which had good housing which the previously rented farm did not have. Over the years they were blessed with a family of four children Rudy, David, Margaret, and Barbara.

Mary became sick late 1984 and was diagnosed to have a fast-spreading cancer early 1985 when she was hospitalized for the duration of the rest of her life. This was an extremely difficult time for Peter and the family. On May 21, 1985, the Lord called Mary home to Himself relieving her of the pain and suffering she had endured.

After selling the farm and assets in 1986 Peter purchased a house in Killarney and he with daughter Barbara moved to town.

In 1987 Peter was introduced to Lena Brandt. After a short courtship they were married on June Hah of the same year. Together they participated in many Senior Camps until recent years, took bus tours into the United States and Eastern Canada, tours to visit the Manitou Lake, Sask, hot springs, and some road trips to visit family and friends in the western provinces. It was during this time they both honed their musical skills which resulted in their enjoying singing and playing their instruments in group, at senior camps, senior homes, in private homes, and for their own enjoyment at home.

Peter was faithful in maintaining contact with his family as well as a number of his cousins and friends (many who have gone on before him). He had no problem speaking to strangers wherever he met them and it wasn't unusual for him to discover they knew someone in common. Many of his new friendships originated when he moved into town and after marrying Lena they started attending several camps for seniors yearly all across Manitoba until his eye sight diminished to the extent it was difficult for him to find has way around.

While living in the house in town, Peter enjoyed his hobbies of making harnesses for his horse teams and making coat hangers for all his children and grandchildren. 

In May of 2012, Peter and Lena moved into the Royal Legion Plaza where they lived until July of 2023. They then both made the decision to move to a personal care home in town. This is where they lived the remainder of their lives. Peter enjoyed all the visits, and phone calls from everyone. This is where the  Lord came to take me home on the evening of April 29th. In addition to his family, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.