Alphonsius (Al) Ignatius Janssens

With heavy hearts, the family of Alphonsius (Al) Ignatius Maria Janssens beloved husband of Johanna (Ann) Hermina Stroeve for 64 years, would like to share that he is now at peace in the loving arms of our dear lord Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully during his sleep at Smith Creek Village in West Kelowna on April 1, 2025 at the age of 91 years. Al was born in Boxtel, North Brabants, Holland on February 14, 1934. He was the 7th of 14 children born to Johannes Leonardus Ignatius Maria Janssens and Josephine Leonie Maria Otterbeek.

Al immigrated to Canada in 1958. He met Ann, the love of his life and later married her in 1960 at St Catherine’s Catholic Church in Picture Butte, AB. They settled on a traditional farm near Vauxhall AB where they raised 6 children. In 1973, the family moved to a farm near Picture Butte AB where Al established a sod and tree farm under the name of Western Canadian Nurseries. In the late 80’s Al and Ann sold the business and moved to Kelowna.

Al and Ann enjoyed a full life of family and faith. He spent his life in service to his family, working long hours on the farm and business. Al had a passion for music, art, cooking and nature and was a talented musician and painter. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, and generous spirit. He would literally offer the coat off his back should anyone need it and was dedicated to helping his neighbors and new commers.

Al is survived by has devoted wife Ann; his children Pam (Kevin), Robert (Pauline), Michelle (Stephen), John Paul (Kathleen), Alan (Anika), and Caroline (Robin). Al has 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Al is also survived by his brothers Paul, Henk, Ward and his sisters Els and Mijntje.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul at 250-801-5905.

Prayer services for Al will be held at 5:00pm on April 11th , 2025 at First Memorial Funeral Home at 1211 Sutherland Ave Kelowna. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Al’s life will be held on April 12, 2025 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 2547 Hebert Rd. West Kelowna. Internment will follow in the Westbank Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299