Ken Janssen

Kenneth George Janssen was born to George T. Janssen and Lois Ann (Voycheske) Janssen on February 14, 1953.  Ken passed away on June 30, 2023, at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD after a long battle with many health issues. 

The Janssen family lived in many places before setting roots at the Shald Ranch southeast of Gordon.  He ranched and farmed until George’s health began to fail, and the ranch was sold in 2005.  Ken worked at various ag related jobs before starting his own hay grinding business.  He built a great business with his amazing work ethic.  In December of 2021 Ken had to sell his business due to his health failing, which was one of the hardest things he ever had to do.

Ken attended Gordon High School where he graduated in 1971, he was always proud to be a Bronc.  While in high school he excelled in football and wrestling.  He also enjoyed hanging with his friends/family and could be found “in his spare time,” at the river, lake, or the ski slopes.  Ken became very interested in and passionate about fishing in the 1990’s and this passion continued until the day he was called home.

Ken and Nancy (Colwell) were married on June 24, 1977, in Rushville and made their home southeast of Gordon, where Ken worked with his dad and brother.  To this union three children were born: Lisa Marie, Kendra Nichole, and Ross Matthew.  He did enjoy taking his kids fishing when he was not worn out from the days work.  When Lisa stated high school and became involved in sports, a town house was purchased where the family could spend the school week.  Ken did enjoy watching his kids compete in their events.  In the summertime he did enjoy taking the “ass tracker” to Merritt Reservoir where he would pull kids tubing, skiing, and knee boarding.  It would never fail the boat would stop working in the middle of the lake and dad would yell at Lisa and Kendra to jump in and pull the boat back to shore!!!! As Ken’s kids continued to grow and start their own families and careers his passion became his grandkids, and he enjoyed bragging to anyone who would listen.

Ken is survived by his wife Nancy: daughters - Lisa Janssen, Kendra (Lindsey) Bixby: son - Ross (Megan) Janssen: grandchildren – Layne and Kinley Bixby; Khai, Brody, and Brynn Janssen.  Sisters – Sharon (Jerry) Sutton, Jeanne (Bruce) Berry, brother – Jerry (Cydney) Janssen.  Mother-in-law Joan Colwell.  Sisters-in-law Connie Anderson, and Laurice Hoos.  Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Preceded in death by parents George and Lois, father-in-law Mark Colwell, brothers-in-law Paul Anderson and Bruce Hoos.