Herman John Janssen

Herman John Janssen, age 96 of Mattoon, IL passed away on March 1, 2024, at Copper Creek Cottages in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Pastor Andrew Herzberg will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, IL with Military Rites conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of service at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Herman was born on December 10, 1927, in Woodford County, Illinois. He was the son of John and Helen K (Doorn) Janssen. He married Viola H. Bruner on December. 8, 1946. Surviving are his four children; three sons, Johnny F. Janssen & wife Linda of Springfield, IL, David B. Janssen & wife Julie Ann of Springfield, IL, Stephen R. Janssen & wife Kim of Charleston, IL; one daughter, Marla E. Miller and husband Bob of St. Augustine, FL; seven grandchildren, Christie R. Commarford & husband Dr. Patrick of St. Augustine, FL, Shelley L. Albers & husband Chris of St. Augustine, FL, Elizabeth E. Sanchez & husband Bill of Arlington, TX, Daniel Janssen of Springfield, IL, Jennifer J. Holdt & husband Mat of Kokomo, IN, Dr. Brianna R. Janssen Sanchez & husband Ivan of Makanda, IL, Katherine E. Council & husband Lee of Mesa, AZ; three great grandsons, Cole & Cade Commarford & Jason Council; eleven great granddaughters, Alexa, Jenna, Belle, & Zoey Albers, Ivanna, Gianna, & Elianna Sanchez Janssen, Susana Sanchez, Lucy & Eloise Holdt, & Grace Council; one Godson, James Janssen & wife Debbie of Lansing IL; brother Harry Janssen and several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of seventy years, Viola, his parents, brothers: Eilert, Raymond, & Harvey Janssen, and sisters: Esther and Henrietta. Herman served with the Merchant Marines during World War II serving on the U.S.S. Thomas Nelson. He belonged to the American Legion, 40 & 8, was a lifelong member of the VFW and Eagles. He worked at Young Radiator for thirty-one years until its closing. He finished his career working at the Driver’s License Bureau. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He held several offices at the church, and he was a member of the Men’s Club and Labor of Love. Herman was a precinct committeeman for the city of Mattoon as well as past county board member. He put God, his family and country first in his life. He always had a positive outlook on life and made others smile with his sense of humor. His family brought him great joy. He loved being “Papa” and looked forward to visiting with his grand and great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan, and he was always up for a game of Pinochle. He will remain in the hearts of his loving family and friends. Memorials in his honor may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, 200 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, Transitions Hospice, 3011A Village Office Place, Champaign, IL 61822, or Mattoon VFW Post 4325, 1220 S. 19th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

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Herman John Janssen

December 10, 1927 - March 1, 2024