By Staff
Leonard M. Jansen, 70, of Niles, died peacefully at his home on Sunday evening July 6, 2008, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday July 10, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1819 Oak St. Niles.
He was born on Nov. 18, 1937, in Antioch, Ill. to the late William Leonard and Irene (Stone) Jansen.
On Sept. 23, 1967, he married Linda Wennersten at a ceremony in Chicago, Ill. She preceded him in death on May 19, 2008. They had a wonderful marriage and enjoyed traveling together, especially to Mexico and caring for each other as they both fought cancer.
He had a deep passion for aviation. He was a member of the Vintage Aircraft Association, Niles Chapter 35 and always enjoyed spending time with his flying buddies, including his last trip to the airport on Sunday morning. He was a faithful and active member at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
Jansen is survived by two sons, Kenneth (Kimberly) Jansen of Mishawaka, Ind. and Ronald Jansen of Reidsville, N. C., two daughters, Lynette Frank of Huntsville, Ala. and Stacy Jansen of Mishawaka, Ind., eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and two brothers, Richard and Bruce Watson both of Chicago.
Memorial contributions can be made to VAA Chapter 35 Leonard Jansen Memorial Fund C/O Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport 2018 Lake Street Niles, MI 49120.
Condolences, memories or photos may be shared with the family by visiting www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.
Arrangements were by Brown Funeral Home &Cremation Services, Niles.