Obituary of Rudy Janzen

Rudy died on June 7, 2014 in Cambridge. He was born on August 20, 1925 in south Russia, and shortly after migrated with his parents and grandparents to Kitchener. After graduating from Waterloo College he continued graduate studies at several seminaries while pastoring and teaching at Mennonite Brethren churches and schools in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario. For several years he served the B.C. Corrections Department as Probation Officer & Court Counselor for dysfunctional families and youth. Through Mennonite Central Committee he helped start Prison Visitation projects across Canada. He promoted Christian "Group Home" programs, and initiated the Toronto area Drinking-Driving-Awareness courses for which he was honored with the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal in 2002. He served on MCC and denominational committees and with his wife Erica made several trips to the Caribbean to assist faith-based organizations. As Ontario Home Missions Director he started Komoka Community Church, served successively as Chaplain at the U.W.O. campus, London Men's Mission and at various Nursing Homes. He was a member of the Inter-Faith Chaplaincy Board at Queen's Park. His whole life was as a humble servant of God. Rudy is survived by his wife Erica (Mathies) in Cambridge, two children David (Laura) of Carlsbad New Mexico and Kathie McNamara of Delaware; grandchildren Travis (Renee) Janzen, Kari (Will) Hicks, Ryan (Melanie) McNamara, Sean (Kelly) McNamara, Evan McNamara; great grandchildren Rylee, Jenna and Owen; two brothers Edward (Elvera) and Art (Darlene); and three sisters, Erna Wiens, Lena (John) Neufeld and Elsa (Wilf) Grenzberg, and their children. He was predeceased by two infant sons, his parents Henry and Katherine, a brother Walter and son-in-law David McNamara. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Kitchener Mennonite Brethren Church, 19 Ottawa Street North, Kitchener on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 11 am. A reception will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.