Gerald H. “Jerry” Jansen, 88, of Germantown, died Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at Aviston Countryside Manor. 

Mr. Jansen was born September 24, 1918 in Germantown to Joseph and Frances (Gesenhues) Jansen; they preceded him in death.  

He married Margaret Fruth on October 27, 1948; she preceded him in death on June 14, 1973. 

He then married Mary Ann Nast-Daab on August 26, 1976 at St. John the Baptist Church in Smithton; she survives in Germantown. 

Also surviving is his children, David (Cheryl) Jansen of Springfield, IL, Mike (Debbie) Jansen of Germantown, Dan (friend Georgina Zeyala) Jansen of San Antonio, TX, Mary Jansen of Germantown, Cathy (Dale) Williams of Salem, MO, Sue (friend John Mancuso) Britton of St. Louis, MO, and Francine (Mark) Etter of St. Rose. 

Step-Children, Diane Alt of Naples, FL, Debbie (Greg) Rueter of Riverview, IL, David (Carmen) Daab of Breese, and Dina (Doug) Kassing, of Freeburg. 

19 Grandchildren and 4 Great-Grandchildren 

A brother, Fr. James Jansen of Aviston 

Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Raymond and Evelyn Nast of Freeburg. 

Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law, Florence Jansen of Germantown and Lorinda Jansen both of Germantown, Marge Jansen of Bartelso, Nancy (Ron) Humphries of Freeburg, Ann (Tony) Gravagna of Arnold, MO, Tobias Nagel of Indiana, Andrew Fruth of Centralia, and Bob (Alex) Nast of Freeburg. 

Also preceded in death by brothers, Richard Jansen, Tom Jansen, Paul Jansen, and Anthony Jansen; sisters, Sr. Dolores Marie Jansen, MM,  Marcella “Sally” Nagel, Mary Ann Jansen, Helen Henken, and Dorothy Perry; brothers-in-law, John Henken and Ken Perry. 

Numerous nieces and nephews. 

Gerald owned and operated Jansen Bus Service for over 55 years and was recognized for his exemplary service, he also worked as an auto mechanic at Jansen Chevrolet in Germantown and was a United States Air Force Veteran. 

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and St. Henry’s Men Sodality in Germantown and the Germantown American Legion Post 325. 

Dad touched many lives with his kind and gentle nature.  A man of few words, our father spoke through his actions.  He was a hard working auto mechanic and a school bus driver, who safely transported generations of children.  When our mother died, he had the courage to go on.  Strong in his faith, he was a devoted father and a loving husband.  His tender spirit will live on though his children and grandchildren and in the hearts of those who came in to contact with him. 

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown with Fr. Dennis Voss Officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery, Germantown. 

Visitation will be Friday, June 22, 2007 from 4:00-9:00 PM and again on Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 8:00-10:45 AM at the Moss Funeral Home in Germantown. 

Germantown American Legion will hold services at 7:00 PM Friday evening at the funeral home. 

Memorials can be made to the Mary Knolls Sisters, Priests Retirement, or to the Donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home