Waneta V. Janzen

Waneta Janzen was born to William and Fannie Jantz in Greensburg, Kansas on June 2, 1936, and passed away February 22, 2022, in Reedley, CA.  She spent her childhood in Africa with her missionary parents and sister Winnie.  In her teen years her parents left the mission field and returned to the U.S. where Waneta attended and graduated from Fresno High School and Fresno State University.  Waneta was a Kindergarten school teacher for 35 years.  Teaching at Windsor, Jefferson and Washington Elementary schools in Reedley. Each year she enjoyed organizing the Sierra Kings Hospital Kindergarten tour.  Approximately 400 children were given a tour of the hospital where they had lessons at several different stations about how a hospital works.  “Annie” the dummy that was used for CPR demonstration was the favorite of many children.  Waneta had many hobbies. She loved to decorate, bake, sew, read, and shop.  She also loved traveling, volunteering at Sierra Kings Hospital/Ladies Auxiliary, raising pure-bread Basset Hounds and spending time in her rose garden. 

In her retirement years, she loved spending time with her three grandchildren.

She took many cruises with husband Fran all over the world.  They went on many camping trips in their RV to Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Indio, and Pismo Beach. Fran was a pilot, and they took several cross-country trips together in their airplane.

She was a member of Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church for 48 years where she loved to serve. She had many great times at church with good friends and family.

One of her favorite bible passages is Psalm 139. 

Since selling the family home of 53 years in 2017, she was a resident of Palm Village Retirement Community.  She loved her life there, where she had many friends. She especially loved the social events where she enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion, like the “Cowboy Breakfast” where she got out the red bandana, straw hat, blue jeans and western shirt.

She was preceded in death by parents William and Fannie Jantz, husband Fran Janzen, and sister Winnie Findley.  She is survived by two children: daughter Pam Janzen (husband Weyland) and son Todd Janzen and close family friend Mike Chrabaszcz. Three grandchildren: Daleene, Maxwell and Christopher Janzen. 

Services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022

Committal service at Reedley Cemetery 10:00 AM

Celebration of Life service at Dopkins Funeral Home Chapel 11:00 AM

Donations made in lieu of flowers will be used to honor Waneta’s favorite cause:

Reedley M.B. Church/Missions