PHILLIPSBURG -- Gerrit Jansonius, 90, passed away Monday, Sept. 6, 2010,at the Colonial Villa Nursing Home in Alma, Neb. He was born Sept. 16, 1919, in Phillipsburg County to John and Mary

(La Poire) Jansonius

He attended grade school at the Whitehall Country School and graduated from Prairie View High School. Gerrit then attended Ft. Hays State University and graduated with a degree in business. On March 14, 1942, Gerrit was united in marriage to Erma Kaiser. Before receiving his diploma, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the African Theater, working in an Army Hospital. He later attended Officer’s Candidate School at Duke University.

 (LaPoire) Jansonius.

After being honorably discharged, Gerrit returned home to work on the family farm. He enjoyed farming and ranching, especially raising wheat and his Hereford cattle.

Gerrit loved music and enjoyed playing his harmonica. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Kansas Livestock Association. After losing his eyesight, he became a member of the NKAVI Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Gerrit was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, grandfather and member of the Community. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends
Survivors include his wife, Erma, of Phillipsburg; two sons, Gary and Ron; two daughters, Amy Hanson and Julie Satter; two sisters, Annette Hein and Elsie Allen; and eight grandchildren.
He will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Friday at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with family present from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg.

burial in Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with military honors by Fort Riley

 Memorials may be given to the church or Hospice Services.

Salina Journal

September 9. 2010