Peter Janzen

Peter Janzen was born on December 17, 1938, in Osterwick, Russia (now Ukraine), and passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener, Ontario, where he spent his final years surrounded by care and comfort.

Peter was the last of his siblings, predeceased by his brothers Bill (sister-in-law Dorothy), Victor, Abe, and Jake; his sisters Anna (died in infancy), Elizabeth Wiebe; and his brother-in-law Carl Godman.

Peter is now reunited with his beloved wife, Verna Mae Janzen (née Godman), who passed away many years ago after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his daughter CJ (née Carolyn) Janzen and his son Karl Janzen; brother-in-law Edward Wiebe (husband of Elizabeth); sisters-in-law Erna (wife of Abe), Herta (wife of Jake), Jane (wife of Victor), and Fay Godman (wife of Carl); along with many extended family members who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Peter’s journey began far from where it ended. Fleeing a war-torn homeland, he built a life grounded in education, music, and love. He was the first in his family to pursue post-secondary education and eventually met his future wife, Verna, while working on his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois in the United States. After teaching at Carleton University in Ottawa, Peter and Verna moved to Deep River, Ontario, where he worked at Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories as part of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. There, he made significant contributions to improving the safety of nuclear power plants through the design and manufacture of seals and other critical components.

Peter experienced profound loss when Verna passed away on November 17, 1989, from breast cancer. To honour her memory and their shared passion for music, he established the Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition at the Canadian Mennonite University in 2006. Now celebrating its 20th year, the competition was recently renamed the Verna & Peter Janzen Music Competition to reflect the love, dedication, and musical legacy they built together.

Music was the heartbeat of Peter’s life. It brought him joy, comfort, and community—from singing in childhood church choirs to performing with the Ottawa Choral Society, the Cantandos, the Signets, and in many local musical productions. His deep love of music helped fill countless hearts with joy across the years.

Peter will be greatly missed by his family, his dear friend Linda, Marley his canine companion and those who supported him with kindness and compassion during his final years at Winston Park. His gentle spirit, sharp intellect, and devotion to music will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Cremation has taken place. Family will receive guests for a Celebration of Peter's Life on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre from 2 - 4 p.m. with remembrances at 2:30 p.m.

Family will also be Celebrating Peter's Life at the Deep River Community Church, 115 Deep River Rd., Deep River, on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a potluck at the community center.