Alan Jansen

Memorial services to celebrate the life of Alan E. Jansen, 81, of Davenport and Bettendorf, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Davenport. The family invites friends to gather at their home for a time of fellowship and sharing of stories on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As was his wish, cremation rites have been accorded. Mr. Jansen died on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Postillion Elder Group Home in Davenport. Cunnick-Collins Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Alan Erwin Jansen was born on October 29, 1929 (Black Tuesday), the son of Elmer and Dorothy (Merz) Jansen. Following his graduation from Davenport High School and Bradley University, he joined the United States Army and was deployed to Korea. In route, his plane crashed in an orchard prior to even leaving the United States. Upon his return home and following his military obligations, he joined the family business in Davenport, C. Jansen Jewelers and also married the late Beverly Baumont in Davenport. He later married Elizabeth Bowden Royar in January of 1977 in Bettendorf, IA. Mr. Jansen owned and operated the jewelry store until his retirement in 1987. He was a former member of the Davenport Sailing Club, the Shriners, the Royal Order of Jesters, the Davenport Schützenverein, and attended St. John’s United Methodist Church. He was a very private individual and always gentle and kind. Alan lived in the Postillion Elder Group Home his last 6 months. The love and care of the outstanding staff always put a smile on our faces and put joy in our hearts. For the last 8 years his best buddy and companion was Rick Jorgansen. They went to lunch every day and put 70,000 miles on the truck. They always had fun and lots of laughs. Rick made everyday count for Alan. Thank - you Rick. Survivors include – his Wife: Elizabeth; 2 Daughters: Chris Jansen of Davenport and Anne Kerber of Blue Springs, MO; 2 Sons: Jeff Jansen of Madison, WI and Col. Todd Royar of Ft. Campbell, KY currently deployed in Afghanistan; 10 Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Patricia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital.Make sure you hug your friends and love each other in honor of Alan.