Gerrit S. Janssen, Kimberly, age 97, died at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was born in Little Chute on June 22, 1928, to the late Peter and Martha (Ebben) Janssen. Gerrit married Marjorie Leanna on July 18, 1953. She preceded him in death on June 20, 2025, after almost 72 years of marriage.

Gerrit served with the 2nd Armored Division in the U.S. Army and was a member of the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60.

Together, Gerrit and Marjorie lived very faith filled lives, with St. Paul Parish at the center, and gave of themselves where needed. Gerrit made over 50,000 rosaries that the parish distributed throughout the world.

He found joy in the simple things and loved sitting out on his deck on a sunny day, feeding the squirrels by hand and watching the cardinals. Gerrit walked through the Kimberly neighborhoods and Sunset Park daily. He found many treasures during his walks, including the many people he met while making his rounds.

Gerrit was a huge Brewers fan and was able to enjoy one last win with them on Saturday. Now he gets to watch the games with Ueck.

His greatest treasure was his family. Gerrit was an especially devoted husband who doted on his wife, Marjorie, and took such special care of her.

Gerrit is survived by his children: Dan Janssen, Little Suamico; Michelle “Shelli” (Randy) Boelter, Town of Center; Becky (Tim) Rusch, Greenville; Julie (Todd) Wydeven, Appleton; and Scott (Doreen) Janssen, Town of Center; grandchildren: Nathan (Stephanie) Boelter, Amy (Brett) Mielke, Nicole (Joel) Bruch, Patrick (Allie) Rusch, Josh (Kara) Sprangers, Nick Janssen, Al (Hailee) Wydeven, Aaron (Hayley) Wydeven, Jake Janssen, and Megan (Wesley) Roberts; great grandchildren: Shelby, Maisey, Peyton, Troy, Hazel, Henry, Jaxson, Maddox, Griffin, Milo, Arie, Mason, Hallie, RaeLynn, Nora, Harvey, and Journey; brothers: Pete and Joe Janssen; and sisters-in-law: Audrey and Janet Janssen. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Gerrit was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; parents, Peter and Martha Janssen; father and mother-in-law, Clem and Elvira (Marquardt) Leanna; sisters: Rosemary (Dave) West, Marianne (Larry) Schnabel, and Sylvia (Ted) Kuether; brothers: Les, Don (Cook), Orville, Roman (Bernice), Kenneth (Carol), and Paul Janssen; and in-laws: Marlene and Jane Janssen and Joyce (Jack) Micksch.

Visitation will be held at ST. PAUL PARISH (410 Wallace Street, Combined Locks) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 10:45 a.m. His Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Stegmann officiating and Deacon Jeff Prickette assisting. Military Honors, conducted by the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60, will follow. Committal Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

Gerrit’s family would like to send a special thank you to his neighbors, Jason and Marsha, for looking out for Mom and Dad for many years. Also thank you to the staff at ThedaCare at Home Hospice, especially Tina, Ida, and Erika, for the compassionate care he received.