JANTZEN, Caroline “Carol” Doris (née Janzen)

September 10, 1929 — December 17, 2020

Carol began her life near Dalhart, Texas where her parents, Abe and Alvina Janzen, were farming. After the Dustbowl, the family moved back to the Saskatoon area in Canada when Carol was three years old. She was just 10 when the Second World War began, and she was no longer permitted to speak German outside her Mennonite home, something which impacted her greatly.

She attended Tabor College, Kansas for a year, training in secretarial work. Then during the summer of 1949, she worked as a camp counselor at Redberry Bible Camp outside of Saskatoon. As a vibrant, outgoing young lady with a beautiful singing voice, she soon caught the eye of Herbert “Herb” Jantzen who was planning to be a missionary to Germany. Everything happened quickly for Carol after that. Three weeks later they were engaged, followed by their marriage October 12, 1951. (Their surnames were almost identical and Herb used to joke that she picked up her cross and followed him!) One year later their first child Jonathan Wesley “Israel” was born. In early 1954, they boarded a ship bound for Europe – first to Holland where Carol gave birth to their second son, Claire Hudson. After a year of learning Dutch and teaching they made the decision to move to Nurnberg, Germany.

Carol soon had her first daughter Dawn Joy. How did she manage all the changes – having three children within three years, without the help of her parents or family? But, she did get a break as it wasn’t until three years later that their youngest, Ruth Annette arrived. Mom made life interesting for us kids: we remember picnics on park benches or on the trunk of the car, concerts and plays at the Casino in Baden-Baden, camping trips to Spain and Italy, feeding the ducks and sledding above our hillside home. Christmas (Weinachten) was always a favorite, with real candles on the tree (we’re not joking!), carol singing, peppernuts and Lebkuchen on fancy paper Christmas plates.

Carol’s life involved child-rearing and managing her home, along with devotedly working with Herb all over German-speaking Europe, singing, leading ladies’ Bible studies and even publishing several books and a host of articles.  In 1972, they relocated to Basel, Switzerland. One by one, the children left home and Europe for college or work in Canada. Carol and her husband continued their work, speaking, teaching and writing for most of another 30 years, when they chose to “retire” to Kelowna, BC. Actually, they got “retreaded” and kept going, making many trips back to Germany and Switzerland.

In her 85th year, a stroke left her unable to find the words she needed to communicate. Herb, who is 7 years her senior, was finally unable to care for her due to his own failing health. Her final years were spent with him together at Glenmore Lodge where they were well cared for. Our family is grateful for the professional and compassionate care they received at the Lodge.

Mom is remembered by her husband Herb; children: son Israel; son Clair (Rachel), granddaughter Danielle (Shaun) Fell and great-grandson Mikhail; grandson Warren (Marika); daughter Dawn (Edwin) Warkentin, granddaughter Amy (Charlie) Heyn, great-grandchildren Riley, Ethan, Avery, Myranda, Vanessa and Austin; grandson Josh (Alana), great-granddaughters Elizabeth, Rebekah and Kaylianne; granddaughter Jenice (Matt) Wallace (and soon to be another great-granddaughter); and grandson Juan (Lisa) and great-granddaughter Mabel; daughter Ruth and grandson Luke; brother Douglas (Lora) Janzen; nieces and nephews Heather, Christopher, Melanie, Leah, Jeremy and Mark and their families. She was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter Audrey Warkentin (age 3); by her granddaughter Hyalite Rose; and by her younger brother Henry “Hank” Janzen, just one week before her.

A family interment is planned, so we can say our earthly see-you-laters. Mom, you’re dancing with Jesus now.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northern Canada Evangelical Mission, ncem.ca. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.