Obituary of Irene Jansen

A funeral service for Irene Jansen of Lake Park will be held Monday, June 4, 2018 at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Park. Burial will be at Silver Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 3rd from 3:00-5:00 PM at the church. Irene Elizabeth Jansen was born December 7, 1925, in Excelsior Township, Dickinson County, Iowa, the daughter of Waitsell and Elsie (Smith) Burnside. She was raised and educated in Excelsior. Upon graduating high school, Irene attended college in Sheldon, where she earned her teaching certificate and returned to Excelsior, where she taught school. Irene was united in marriage to Leonard Jansen on July 25, 1947. They made their home in rural Lake Park, where they farmed and raised their four children. In 1974, the couple purchased a small resort in Nevis, Minnesota, Twin Bells Resort. Irene moved to Milford in 1989. Irene was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lake Park. She also was active as a 4-H Leader and a member of Saddle Club. She enjoyed reading books, search puzzles, bird watching, her trips to casinos and especially loved spending time with her family. Irene passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Keelson Harbor in Spirit Lake, at ninety-two years of age. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, brother, grandson and great-granddaughter. She is survived by her children, Leonard Jansen, Jr. (Carol Johnson), Linda E. Nissen, William Jansen (Dianne) and Thomas Jansen (Lillian), all of Lake Park. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.