Arthur Lee Janssen

GOD'S WORK OF ART Arthur Lee Janssen was born in Bakersfield, California on June 23, 1936 to George and Emily (Maussman) Janssen. He became a child of God when he was baptized in the Lutheran Church at age 3. His father worked in the construction of homes as a carpenter. His older brother also named George, seven years his senior, talked him into joining the US Army after he graduated from High School. So, Art served his country for the next couple of years in Texas. Art was 24 when he met Karen McKillop, who was teaching Vacation Bible School at Garden Grove Friends Church. His friend John arranged a double date so she could meet the nice, blond-haired man in her sights. After a few rounds of miniature golf, more church activities together, and a cruise down famed Mulholland Drive, the new couple decided to tie the knot; they were married August 19, 1961. Officiating the ceremony was Eugene Coffin in Garden Grove. While Karen continued her college education in Upland, her industrious husband continued his work for the Santa Fe Railroad as a Station Agent. During this time their marriage was blessed with two children: a son named Jeff born October 3, 1963 and then a daughter named Margaret, later changed to Megan when she was in Junior High School. Art left the RR and accepted a position at Santa Ana Junior College, now Rancho Santiago Community College, teaching computer programming skills to faculty and staff. He worked as a Data Base Administrator for the next 30 years. In 1992 there was a significant turning point in Art's life. At that time he and Karen started attending Bible Studies at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, which were being taught by a dynamic professor of religion from Christ College Irvine named Dr. Rod Rosenbladt. He was also one of the hosts for a new radio program sponsored by C.U.R.E. (Christians United for Reformation) called the White Horse Inn. As a result both Art and Karen became grounded in their Lutheran faith. Art and Karen moved to Grants Pass in 2002. After many previous trips to this area for fishing and visiting relatives, they decided to make their new home here. They joined the parish family of St. Paul's Lutheran Church after meeting Pastor Steven Stork. They were also greeted by two former members from Huntington Beach, Keith and Donna Barnes. From the beginning they felt right at home. Art loved to read. The outstanding book collection acquired during his lifetime rivals most public libraries. Art also loved his coffee. Once in a while it was possible to see him without holding a book, but never without his favorite coffee cup. Art brewed his own brand of beer. A quick dip into Reformation history will show that Martin and Katie Luther were also good at this. Art was active in R.A.S.C.A.L.S., a computer club in the Rogue Valley, and he played hand-bells in a local bell choir. Art also played several brass instruments - the French horn, bugle, trumpet, and baritone horn. At church he was a key player in the Chime Choir, he sang in the Senior Choir, and he was an important member of the Sunday worship audio-technician team. Art served wherever his unique skills were useful in the maintenance of the grape arbor, securing supplies for fellowship events, and countless other areas wherever his expertise was needed to make things run well. Art will be missed. After a sudden heart attack early Thursday morning, September 27, he went into a coma; ten days later he became a permanent resident with all the company of heaven. His beloved remarked, "He is a part of me torn out by the roots." Somehow 51 years together just doesn't seem that long. What a wonderful blessing Art and Karen have been to the Lord's work in our congregation. The two were inseparable, joined at the coffee cup. Art is survived by his wife Karen Janssen of Grants Pass, his brother George Janssen from Cave Junction; son Jeff Janssen from Westminster, California and daughter Megan Enloe from Tustin, California. Well done, Art, thou good and faithful servant.

Service Information

Saturday, October 13th, 2012, St. Paul's Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod