Lewis (Lew) Charles Janssen, long time area resident of Coalwood, Montana, died peacefully December 21, 2019 in the home where he was born on their Coalwood ranch. His wife of 70 years, Helen, was at his side.
Lew was born Jan 20, 1926 at Coalwood, Montana to homesteader parents William M. (Bill) (1896-1977) and Hallie A. Warkins Janssen (1903-2001). The youngest of four children he was delivered by his grandmother, Jessie Balcom Warkins. His parents owned the Coalwood Mercantile and Post Office. Growing up at the crossroads of the community he enjoyed people from a young age. He was Postmaster for a few years in later life. Numerous cousins and family members lived with them in a three room home as he was growing up. He attended elementary grades by walking to the old Coalwood School (yes, it was further then present day, uphill and with snow). He and his brothers, along with numerous cousins, boarded with “Grandma” Anna Baker Janssen, strengthening family ties while attending Custer County High School in Miles City. On weekends they hitched a ride home with neighbors to work on the ranch. Lew played baseball, was involved in 4-H and many other activities.
He had his first plane and pilots’ license prior to marrying Helen Lyons, June 26, 1949 in Terry, Montana. They have lived their entire lives together on the family ranch since then. Three children were born and raised on the ranch and Lew was the patriarch of an extended family.
Their home has been, and continues to be, a gathering place for family, friends, neighbors, hunters and strangers for years as many stop by for a few minutes to a few days. Few leave as strangers and their friends are many from across the country. Successfully raising wheat and other grains, hay, cattle, starting with Herefords and transitioning to Black Angus, they have adapted to the weather, times, equipment development and technology. In his late 80’s he designed and built his individually adapted hydraulic calf table. Lew continued to be actively involved, even running the swather at age 93, the summer before his death from cancer.
Lew was very active in the community, serving on a number of Powder River County Boards, as well as being an election judge for years, a 4-H leader and a supporter of the younger generations. Lew and Helen attended local games, performances, fairs, and traveled to graduations and weddings for friends and family members. In addition to fishing trips, that were the highlight of each summer, he and Helen traveled to all 50 states and to several foreign countries, inspiring a sense of adventure in his children.
Lew and Helen, for 50 years, hired high school students for summer haying and harvest. In his ability to use a few words to provide expectations and consequences he helped inspire one to do well. “Most were good kids, now good men.
The best neighbor and friend one could have, Lew was always ready to help. He was so talented and innovative, adapting tools, welding, fixing anything, and building grandfather clocks with his fine carpentry skills. His lifelong passion was flying and he owned a plane for over 60 years, using it for pleasure, checking cattle and fields as well as crop dusting. As a hardworking farmer/rancher he was an excellent steward of the land and heritage with an incredible memory for people, places and facts. He especially enjoyed telling the stories of living in rural Montana.
He was a man of deep, quiet faith, Baptised into the Catholic faith in July 1988. He exhibited his faith by how he treated others and was a member of St. David’s Parish, in Powder River County. A member of the Greatest Generation, he has created along with Helen, his lifelong love, a wonderful legacy for our family and his community. He was fond of saying. “Helen, we’ve had 70 years. I love you. I’ve had a great life and we have great kids. ” A summary of a life well lived. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Hallie, sister Virginia, brothers Floyd and John, sister-in-law Alice and numerous family members. He is survived by his wife, children Jane Ann (Paul Huber), Mary Kathleen (Martin Thone), Robert Lewis (Lynnette McGuire); grandchildren Joseph (Adrian, Casandra, Veronica and Frencesca), Michael (Brittany-Ellie, Kolton and Quinn), and Bernard Huber; Joshua (Sheba) Thone; Shannon (Jud Harris), Andrea and Christopher Janssen. As well as several nephews and nieces including Roger and Dallas Janssen, Jeri Dobrowski and Tann Laverty.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 26, 2019
Stervenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 26, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City , MT
Mass of Christian Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 27, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, MT
Rite of Committal
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 28, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 26, 2019
Stervenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 26, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City , MT
Mass of Christian Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 27, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, MT
Rite of Committal
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 28, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Janssen family.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Rick & I were deeply saddened to learn of Lewis’s passing. We pray that each of his family members are comforted by your memories and God’s peace and solace.
George and Katrina Luther says
Condolences to the Janssen family so glad you have been purposefully making memories. Thinking of you and sending hugs and love.
Vanna Byrd says
May God bless and comfort you. I will certainly miss seeing him. Prayers for the family.
Tom & Ann Emmons says
We are thinking of all of the Janssen family. Such a nice man, he will be missed.
Meri Mainwaring says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Walter and ArLynn Archer says
Dear Helen and family,
So sorry for your loss. God took another special one home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Shea says
So sorry for your loss
Brett and Kimber Emmons says
We are thinking of you and sending prayers for strength and peace. Such a legacy he has left here. God Speed and God Bless.
Brett, Kimber, Chi (Savannah), ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty, and Karlee
Helen Rogge says
Condolences to all the Family of Lew. Lew will be missed at our dinners. Lew was a very nice Man with a great Family.
Cora Mae Smith Ofstie says
Dear Helen and kids, My condolances to you all. Lew will surely be remembered by all of Powder River for his Great good humor and smile. He will be so missed by my brothers and their families.
Sharyn says
Helen you married The most humble man I’ve ever met and with so much love for all. You and your family are in my heart.
SALLY A. BORLA says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT SUCH A WONDERFUL AND KIND MAN–I AM THINKING OF YOU HELEN AND HOW KIND YOU ALWAYS WERE TO EVERYONE WHEN YOU CAME TO THE MANOR. MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME. GOD BLESS
Bernice Rolfson says
Prayers to all the Jansen family. May God Bless each of in this time sorrow.
Pat Phillips says
My prayers to Helen and the family —Hold your memories close—they are for ever.
Janet Benge Ek says
So sorry for your loss. Grew up just minutes away on the Benge Ranch so knew him well. God bless you all!
Sonny Lockwood & Sandy Stahl says
Our thoughts are with you. There is a huge hole in all our lives where Lew has always been. We have lost as fine a man as ever lived.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Helen and family. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. Lewis was a wonderful and caring person and we will miss him a lot.you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cam Emmons says
Sincere condolences to all of your family. Lew was a very kind and special man. He will be missed by many. Prayers for your comfort and peace.
Tom and Judy Collins says
We were so sorry to hear about Lew. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mona Holst Johnson says
Helen and family. Sorry for your loss. In are in my prayers.
Bret and Sandi (Saylor) Olsen says
Our condolences and prayers are with the Janssen family. May God help you find peace in ths time of loss of your loved one.
Lainy Smith Jenkins says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Mike and Lainy Jenkins
John and Nancy Lichty says
Mary & Marty, so sad to hear about your Dad’s passing. Holding you tight in our minds and souls.
Sandy Janssen Feeney says
I am so sorry! I have always loved visiting with Lew and Helen when I was in the area and I have lots of good memories of the Coalwood area.. I have a flight to Nevada Thursday morning or I would be at the service. Please give my condolences to your mom and the rest of the family.May he rest in peace.
THE HELM FAMILY says
SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT LEW, OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Helen and family, our sincere sympathy in the loss of such a kind, wonderful friend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories comfort and sustain you.
Bonnie Russiff Schott says
So sorry to hear. To the Janssen family: my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Helen, Jane, Mary, Bob & all family:
So sorry to learn of Lew’s passing. He joins many of the old Coalwood bunch. I considered him a true gentleman, ran a very good operation. Gave me my first airplane ride as a little kid with my dad. Leaves a very fine legacy of family and friends. Condolences and best wishes to all.
Doug and Lucy Benge
Cali (Hilliard) Baker says
Lew was always so nice, and cool to visit with! A great man, who left behind a great legacy. May peace and love surround you at this difficult time.
Lynn Anderson says
The time that I spent with Lew and his family showed me that he was such a kind, gentle and loving man. He cared very deeply for his family and embraced life to its fullest. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. Wishing you feelings of comfort, moments of peace, and memories of joy during this difficult time.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
So sorry to here of Lew’s passing, he put up a good fight. His warmth and his smile and his friendliness will be missed. He was a special man, filled with kindness for people and his stock, and it was easy to see he was a good steward of the land. May God give you all His peace and comfort thru this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Dee & Linda (Abbott) Black says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Helen and all their family! I grew up very close to the Coalwood community. My dad and mom, Charles and Millie Abbott thought very highly of Lee! May God bless and comfort them through this difficult time!
Grace Gardner says
Even just a few short years ago, Lew was breaking it down on the dance floor at Shannon’s wedding. May God rest his soul and his memories live on forever.
Pat and Neal Sanburn says
Sorry to hear this terrible news. Our condolences are with you Helen and your whole family.
Denise Aylesworth says
Helen and family, I cherish the memory of our visit of about 20 years ago when Lew and Helen so graciously shared their home and time with me and my kids. It connected me to them and my history in a way that had not happened previously. Lew was a loving, kind man. I am sorry for your loss and wish you peace. Love, Denise Aylesworth (Dick Janssen’s daughter)
Pam Janssen Schoonover says
So sorry to hear of Lews passing away. He was a strong, quiet, loving man. Lew and Helen for me were the heart of the Coalwood ranch. I fondly think of our visits to the ranch, Lew and Helen always told stories I enjoyed listening to. Jane, Mary and Bobby were a very big part of those visits as well. Lew will be missed by all.
Kathy Schlepp says
To Helen and all of your family. I’m so sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. I have many fond memories of both of you during the many years of 4-H, how kind, generous and supportive you were to all the 4-Hers. What a wonderful life lived by the nicest man. Love and prayers. Kathy Schlepp
Patrick & Marjorie Johnson says
We were saddened to hear of Lew’s death. Our heartfelt condolences to all in the Jenssen family especially our dear friends Mary and Martin. May God bless you all during this time of great loss. Pat & Margie Johnson in CT
The Escott Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. A wonderful man will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Pam (Moths) Nisley & Dave Nisley says
Many have known this fine man all of his life…..I am blessed to have known he and Helen for over 40 years 🙂 Always a smile, warm laugh, and a willingness to help at any need!! We square danced with this fun couple, and others over 35 years ago….delightful memories!!! Prayers for comfort for all of his loved ones, and may you each feel the peace of Christ in the coming months. We care!
Klayton and Mary says
Sending hugs and prayers for comfort to all the Janssen family. Lew was a special husband and father, and will be missed by many of us that knew him. God bless you all on this journey.
Julie Emmons says
Condolences to the Janssen Family. What a fine man Lew was.
Norm & Julie Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. He was a very special person.
Lissa Power says
Helen and Janssen Family,
So sorry for your loss. Lew was the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet. We loved visiting with you both whenever we had the pleasure of seeing you. The world won’t be the same without him.
Prayers,
Willis and Ardi Bartholomay
and Lissa Power
Bill and Dina Gay says
Thinking about you. So sorry for your loss. Hugs
Jere Freiboth says
Helen and family. So sorry about Lewis. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I so remember the times you and Lewis would come to Terry to visit your mother and your brother Vincent both who were neighbors of my family. God bless!
Darlene L Strobel says
Helen, my sympathies. I remember working with you at the Terry Tribune when we wrote an obituary for Vince. May God be with you.
Darlene Strobel
Virginia Huckins says
Helen and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Powder River County is losing too many exceptional men. Ginger Huckins
Sally Janssen says
I am so sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. I will always remember the wonderful times visiting Grandma and Grandpa Janssen (Fred) and all the relatives at the ranch. Lew was always around to show us how to ride a horse, take us for a plane ride, and just enjoy. While it has been some time since visiting the ranch, Lew and Helen always provided many lasting memories. Powder River has truly lost one of its very best. All the very best to you, Helen, and the rest of the family. My deepest sympathies to you all.
M G says
Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near all those calling on Him ( Psalms 145: 18 ). My condolences to the family .>>