Tehachapi News

Jack Frederick Janzen

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Jack Frederick Janzen, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Tehachapi on Dec. 1, 2009. He was born on April 2, 1930 in Scotland, S.D. but he grew up in Shafter. Jack was born with the heart of a cowboy and knew at an early age he wanted to spend his life living the cowboy way. On Oct. 21, 1952 he was drafted into the Army where he was trained as a military policeman. He was also a graduate of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

He met the love of his life, Jerry Vannatta, on a blind date while on leave from the Army and they married on Sept. 17, 1955. In January, 1961 Jack went to work on the Tejon Ranch, where he spent the next 40 years as a cowboy on the ranch raising his family, hunting and enjoying the outdoors. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had several callings in the church. Jack's family was everything to him and he lived his life with them as the focus of every day. He lived a Christ-centered life and his quiet ways and gentle soul will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Jerry, of 54 years, son, Lennis Janzen of Tehachapi, daughter Jennifer Johnson and husband Allan of Bakersfield, son David Janzen of Tehachapi, grandchildren Jared, Garrett and Ellie Johnson, brother Jim Janzen of Sacramento, Calif. and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at high noon, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at the White Wolf Corral on Highway 223, two miles south of Highway 58. Bishop Kevin Haub will officiate the service.