Peter Anthony Jansen

Peter, the third of 14 children of John H. Jansen and Appolonia Zoller, was born September 25, 1927, on the family homestead near the St. John’s church northeast of Denzil, SK. He had to walk ¾ of a mile to attend the one-room school in the Koehmstedt district, often using the journey to partake in the mischief of youth.

After leaving school, Peter spent a short time working as a school and church caretaker in Belleville, Illinois. In 1947, he travelled to Edmonton to learn carpentry under the tutelage of his uncle, Father Hesse - a skill that proved invaluable throughout his life. Upon returning to the homestead, Peter began farming, which became one of his greatest passions.

While participating in the church choir Peter was introduced to Phyllis Kirchgesner. Their relationship blossomed and on June 2, 1953, they were wed in St. John's church and thus began their 40-year span as farmers northeast of Denzil where they raised seven sons and one daughter. Peter’s life was deeply rooted in family, farming, faith, and commitment to the community. The church and his family instilled in him a strong faith that remained steadfast throughout his life.

Peter enjoyed precious time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family reunions were a much-anticipated and beloved event where he would have great fun connecting with everyone. These times always included competitive games. Like most dads, he supported his sons and daughter in their activities including many school, social and sporting events. He was always ready with praise and nuggets of wisdom. Despite their busy lives on the farm, Peter and Phyllis found time to travel, exploring many destinations both nationally and internationally.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Peter enjoyed participating in, spectating, and even "armchair coaching" sports. He was a passionate fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Edmonton Oilers, and his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, with his competitive spirit always shining through.

Peter also believed in giving back to his community. Peter generously gave his time to the Denzil Credit Union, Denzil Wheat Pool and Denzil Sacred Heart Church. In 1958, Peter joined the Knights of Columbus and remained an active member for decades.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Phyllis; sons: Wayne (Kim), Chuck (Colleen), Patrick (Anita), Ron, Marvin, Glen (Marie-Eve), Kirby (Melony); son-in-law Vince Chabassol; grandchildren Warren (Amber), Lori (Derek), Gavin (Renae), Sean (Louis), Megan, Amie (Scott), Rebecca, Erin, Donna (Dan), Billy, Jesse, Ariane, Gabrielle, Traise, Tristen (Kayla), Chase, Jared and Josh; great-grandchildren Cole, Reece, Cruz, Khloé, Hailey, Jack, Lola, Maisie, Caitlin, Caleb, Liam, Quinn, Maeve, Kristen, Kyle, Nolan, Nathan and Jenna; brothers John (Helen), Jerome and James; sisters Ann Dundon, Agnes Flanagan, Jeannette Kollman and Gen Kennedy (Harold); sisters-in-law Brenda Jansen, Laurie Kirchgesner, Doreen Sopyc; nieces, nephews and friends.

Peter was predeceased by his daughter Maureen Chabassol (2021), his parents Appolonia & John H. Jansen; parents-in-law Margaret and Peter Kirchgesner; brothers Frank (Kathy), Ben (Alvina), and Raphael; sisters Marie Mildenberger (Don), Theresa Maze (Jack) (Leo Mitchell) and Sister Delores; brothers-in-law, Dave Dundon, Irl Flanagan, Tony Kollman, John Sopyc, and Tony Kirchgesner; sisters-in-law, Valeria Jansen, and Valerie Jansen.

The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at St. Paul's Hospital for the tender and empathetic care they bestowed upon Peter during his short palliative stay.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Saint Anne's Church (217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon, SK with Fr Gregory Roth celebrant. For those unable to attend please join us via livestream at (https://saintannes.ca/saint-annes-parish-online/). A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow in the Saint Anne's Hall. Following Mass, Peter will be cremated with Rite of Committal to be held at Unity Pleasant View Cemetery in Unity, Saskatchewan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada. (www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca). Arrangements in care of Aimé Laventure.