Frederick "Dean" Janssen

Frederick “Dean” Janssen

October 26, 1926 - May 16, 2024

Frederick “Dean” Janssen, age 97, of Augusta, passed away peacefully with his wife and family at his side on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 7:29 am, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. He was born on October 26, 1926, in Coatsburg, IL, to August and Erma (Donley) Janssen. Dean’s life was a testament to his enduring strength, unwavering love for his wife and family, and the land they called home.

Dean’s journey began growing up with his older brother, Clyde, a twin sister, Jean, and his younger sister, Doris. Dean attended Augusta Community High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from May 22, 1945, until he was honorably discharged on January 14, 1948. Dean served in Europe during World War II as a grade T/5 private rifleman on special assignment. Upon returning home, Dean  held a variety of jobs including being employed by the Triple S Mine, the owner/operator of the Sinclair Filling Station in Augusta, worked alongside Dick Pracht in construction, but most notably began his career in farming alongside his father, August.

Dean met the love of his life, Wilma Ann Kelly, and the couple united in marriage on July 27, 1952, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church  in Basco, IL. Together, they built a life on the farm during their 71 years of marriage. The family farm was established south of Augusta in 1942 by August and Erma Janssen and  then was purchased by Dean and Wilma in 1982. Dean took great joy in the triumphs and happiness of  his children and their families.

Dean leaves behind a legacy through his three children, Diane O’Neal of Plymouth, IL, Gary (Janet) Janssen of La Prairie, IL, and Steve Janssen of Augusta, IL. His life was further enriched by his six grandchildren, Ian O’Neal of Bowen, IL, Ashley (Craig) Kirlin of Quincy, IL, August (Skylar) O’Neal of Augusta, IL, Garrett (Emily) Janssen of St. Charles, MO, Jennifer (Brett) Metzger of Rochelle, IL, and Jacob Janssen of Marion, IL; ten great-grandchildren, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Dean, Ainsley, Hank, Brooks, Beckett, Ruthie, Emmett Dean, and Baylor; and numerous other family members. 

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, August and Erma Janssen; his parents-in-law, Alvin and Lena Kelly; his three siblings Doris Kerr, Jean Allen, and Clyde Janssen; his son-in-law, John “Jack” O’Neal; and many other close relatives.

Dean led a life that was truly inspirational, marked by purpose, simplicity, and gratitude. He found joy in the changing seasons, tilling the soil and watching the crops grow, and harvesting the fields in the fall. Dean’s face lit up with pure happiness whenever he had the chance to hop on a tractor, feeling alive and connected to the land. His passion for the land and his cattle was a lifelong love that he passed down to future generations. In his final years, Dean took pleasure in spending time with family and the simple things, most recently watching the spring season unfold through the dining room window while enjoying the comfort of another home-cooked meal made by his wife. Dean was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and the family farm.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the caregivers who enriched Dean’s journey, bringing light and comfort to his path.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am Monday, May 20, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church in Augusta, IL with Rev. Rick Hertenstein officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Augusta, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the Woodlawn Cemetery, in Augusta, IL.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling arrangements.