Bradford Lee Janzen

Bradford L. Janzen, 83, of Peoria passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1941, in Rochester, MN, to Jacob and Kathleen (Siebold) Janzen, who preceded him in death.

He married Vicky Lindemann on October 5, 1974, in Ottawa, IL. She survives. He is also survived by his children, Heidi Janzen of Ottawa, IL, and Adam (Ellen) Janzen of Westerville, OH; his grandchildren Adrienne, Serena, Pearl, and Zachary Janzen, also of Westerville, OH; and his brother, Fredric (Barbara) Janzen of Germantown, WI.

Brad received his Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Dubuque. He also earned a Master of Arts in Education from Northern Illinois University and a Certificate of Advanced Studies for his superintendent endorsement from Illinois State University.

Brad taught middle school history in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Morrison, IL. He served as the elementary school principal at Illini Bluffs CUSD #327 from 1970 until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure as principal, he led Halloween parades as Friar Tuck or the Pied Piper. He also instituted the first-grade circus at Wheeler School and America on Parade for third grade students. The commons area at the current Illini Bluffs Elementary School is named the “Brad Janzen Commons” in his honor. Following his retirement from Illini Bluffs, Brad worked as a counselor at EPIC (formerly PARC) from 2003 to 2011.

Brad was an active member of his community. He was a Hollis Park District commissioner from 1975 to 1995. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Timber-Hollis Fire Protection District at Company 3 from 1973 to 2003 and served as a trustee from 1978 to 2025, mostly as the district secretary. Brad also served as secretary for the T-L Rural Water District for 20 years.

Brad was always a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He enjoyed motorcycles and was a co-owner of a Triumph motorcycle shop in Morrison, IL. He also enjoyed watching the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR races and attended races at Road America with his brother.

Visitation will be at Davison-Fulton Funeral Home in Bartonville, IL, from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, June 11. His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 12, at 11 AM; visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be at the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in Ottawa, IL.

Memorials may be directed to the Timber-Hollis Fire Protection District, Wildlife Prairie Park, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.