Harry William Frederick Janssen died Nov.26, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Home in Syracuse, Nebraska at the age of 92 years. He was born July 3, 1918 to William and Elizabeth Janssen in their farm home near Syracuse, Nebraska. He was baptized Aug. 11, 1918 at the Delaware Lutheran Church near his home. He was confirmed at this same church March 20, 1932. Harry grew up on a farm southeast of Syracuse. He attended school district 90 grades 1-8. He attended Syracuse High School grades 9-10 and then went to Dunbar High School, where he graduated in 1935.

He farmed with his father until 1940, when he and Veletta Windhorst were married on Dec. 17, 1940. They were married at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church. Their son Larry was born Feb. 21, 1949.

The couple farmed for 42 years on a farm southwest of Syracuse. In 1983 they moved to a new home in Syracuse.


Harry was very active in his church and community all of his life. He was a member of Lutheran Memorial Church in Syracuse and had served as an officer in the Brotherhood. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and also had served on the District 41 school board for many years.
Both Harry and Veletta loved to travel. Over their many years together they visited all of the 50 states, Canada, Germany, the Holy Lands, and New Zealand.


Harry enjoyed going to his "office" at the local Cenex Station each morning to meet for coffee with his many friends. People often would see Harry and Veletta taking walks. Visiting with family and friends, playing cards, and reading were some of his favorite pastimes. He considered his wife and his extended family to be his most precious gift on earth. His family often heard him say "I loved you from the day you were born".


Survivors include his wife Veletta of Syracuse, son Larry and wife Marcia of Volga, South Dakota, grandson Matthew of Brookings, South Dakota, granddaughter Lara of Rialto, California and granddaughter Tiffany of Volga, South Dakota and sister-in-law Ruth Windhorst of Syracuse, Nebraska. Surviving nieces are Deanne Gerking, Linda Janssen, Karen Munter, Lana Friedrich, Gay Lepert and nephews Kent Windhorst and Duane Windhorst. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Denver, and sisters Evelyn, Edna, and Della.


Funeral Services will be Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 1162 Mohawk Street, Syracuse, Nebraska

VISITATION will be Monday, November 29, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with the family greeting friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. all at the Funeral Home. The casket will be open one hour before services at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lutheran Memorial Church in Syracuse.