Obituary of Homer K. Janzen

Homer Kenneth Janzen passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at his home in Steinbach in the care of his family, after a struggle with prostate cancer. 

Homer was born on November 15, 1927, in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, where he grew up on a small family farm with his parents Isaac and Nettie Janzen, and his sisters, Jeanette (Neufeld) and Pearl (Richert).  He enjoyed life on the farm, including daily chores and the opportunity to drive a four-horse team to do field work. 

Following high school, Homer taught one year at the Scarpe School near Rosthern, Sk, and then studied at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, in Winnipeg, and University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon.  His vision of serving the neediest people in the world lead him to pursue medical training at University of Manitoba.  It was during this time that he met Margaret (Gredi) Janzen, of Arnaud, Manitoba, who was in nurses’ training at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.  They were married on June 14, 1957. They have four children: Gordon, Enid, Bonita, and Pat.

At an early age Homer felt a call to serve as a missionary abroad.  In September 1960 Homer and Gredi travelled on a freighter ship for 3 weeks to India where they served for 10 years as medical workers with the General Conference Mennonite Church mission board.  Between terms of service in India, Homer completed his studies in General Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery while in Saskatoon, Sk.  He practiced family medicine in Rosthern from 1974 to 1986.  During 1986-1989, Homer and Gredi served with MCC in Tansen, Nepal. Homer worked as a surgeon in Steinbach, Manitoba, from 1990 until 1997. 

Homer thoroughly enjoyed his vocation as a doctor and surgeon.  He provided healing and compassion for patients whether he was serving in India, Nepal, Rosthern, Saskatchewan or Steinbach, Manitoba. In 2006, he received a Humanitarian Award for outstanding contributions by a member or former member of the Manitoba Medical Association in the service of humanity either within Canada or abroad. His medical experience in different cultures provided Homer with broad-ranging perspectives which allowed him to connect with people from many different backgrounds.  These relationships led to several cherished “adopted” family relationships over the years.

Homer was creative with his hands with a variety of hobbies.  He enjoyed water colour and acrylic painting, needlepoint, woodworking, rug hooking, and collecting butterflies. Gardening was one of his most enjoyable pastimes.  Whether Homer was living in South Asia or on the Canadian prairies, he always had a garden with beautiful vegetables and fruit trees. 

Church was an essential part of Homer’s life.  His love for God was always lived out in the community of the church.  He was an integral part of the church communities in Waldheim, Saskatoon, and Rosthern, Saskatchewan; in Jagdeeshpur and Champa in India; in Tansen, Nepal; and in Steinbach, Manitoba.  In later years Homer and Gredi cherished the deep friendships they made at Steinbach Mennonite Church.  

Homer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret (Gredi) Janzen, his sister Pearl Richert, son Gordon (Linda Enns) Janzen, daughters Enid (Mel) Letkeman, Bonita Janzen, Pat Janzen (Wilf Neufeld), 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by his parents Isaac and Nettie Janzen, and his sister Jeanette Neufeld. Homer will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

On Thurs. Dec. 3 beginning at 6:30 PM there will be a virtual meet & greet with the family via Zoom in lieu of a viewing.

On Fri. Dec. 4 beginning at 10:00 AM the funeral service will be live streamed via YouTube.

A private family interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mennonite Church Canada International Witness.