Robert W Janssen

Robert W. Janssen, 96, De Pere, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2021 at his home.  He was born March 1, 1925 in De Pere to the late William and Gertrude (Coenen) Janssen.  He married the late Rita G. Smits on August 28, 1948 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in De Pere.Bob was proud of his Dutch heritage and was interested in learning about his ancestors’ journeys from Holland. He was a dairy farmer, raised feeder pigs, and crop farmed for many years on land in Rockland that his grandfather (Jon Janssen) acquired in 1890.  Bob had an uncanny ability to spot arrowheads in the farm fields and accumulated a sizable collection.  He was employed at Fort Howard Paper Co. for 22 years and was an original shareholder of their stock.  Bob loved traveling with Rita, his wife of 61 years, visiting each of the 50 states, plus Canada, Austria, England, Germany, and the Netherlands.  He enjoyed deer hunting in Rockland with his sons and grandsons.  For his 90th birthday he received new golf clubs and was excited to add a few yards to his drives.  Bob set pins at the Keglers Klub as a teenager and later became an avid bowler at several local lanes.  Dancing to polkas and waltzes or doing the Lindy Hop with Rita brought him much joy.  Bob ushered at St. Mary’s Parish where he was a lifelong member, served as President of the De Pere Men’s Club, delivered Meals on Wheels, and rang the bell for Salvation Army.  He enjoyed the last several years with his friend, Rosalyn Simonar, which included bowling, golfing, dancing, and dining out.  Bob loved his family unconditionally and had a way of making everyone believe they were his favorite. 

Survivors include seven children:  Bob (Kathy) Janssen, Cheyenne, WY; Tom (Pam) Janssen, Eau Claire; Joe (Chikako) Janssen, Lombard, IL; Lee (Jean) Janssen, Fond du Lac; Lori (Ben) Wozniak, De Pere; Doug (Janet) Janssen, Stevens Point; Peggy (Dan) Sands, Appleton; thirteen grandchildren: Jon (Kristy) Janssen, Sara (Joel) Mason, Nick (Kristen) Janssen, Kinzy (Zack) Janssen, Peter Janssen, Ethan Janssen, Colin Janssen, Marisa (Frank) Eimiller, Andy (Nikki) Kollath, Emily (Brent) Rukamp, Matt (Janel) Janssen, Clair Janssen, and Kevin Janssen; eleven great grandchildren; two brothers: Dan (Dorothy) and Ken (Donna) and one sister-in-law; Grace Crabb.  Bob is further survived by his special friend Rosalyn Simonar.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Rita; his parents; one brother: Louie (Esther) Janssen; three sisters: Johanna (Art) Wellens, Alice (Joe) Hutjens, and Josephine Gossen;  brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 4805 Sportsman Dr. De Pere (Ledgeview), on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  Private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.  Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank Unity Hospice for their care and especially to Kristen our CNA who was our ray of sunshine and kept us all on our toes.