October 22, 1955 ~ October 6, 2023
Donald Gary Janzen, 67, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away at his residence on October 6, 2023.
Don was born on October 22, 1955, to Norman Janzen and Margaret Janzen (Groening) in Winkler, Manitoba, and was the first born of six children. Don was baptized on December 11, 2010, at St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba by Pastor Lynne Hutchison.
Don was a truck driver throughout his entire adult life and had an excellent work ethic. He drove long distance across Canada and the U.S., and as well he spent some time in Whitehorse, Yukon, with the most recent years Owner/Operator work in Edmonton, Alberta. He was very knowledgeable in fixing things. If there was something he didn’t know he would research the problem and figure things out. He was the go-to person when family and friends’ cars needed fixing, tires changed, oil changes etc. Don was genuine; what you saw is who he was. He was very personable as well as a private person in regards to his personal life. He was real!
In 2015, Don met Shannon at Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Don and Shannon shared the past seven and a half years together. Together they enjoyed many, many miles touring on Don’s Harley, as well as together with friends, their weekends together were special. They enjoyed Country music and playing guitar together. Their love for each other was very special and unique. As Don put it “every mile they traveled together on his bike were the best miles he could have ever hoped for”. Don will be greatly missed by Shannon.
Don’s last visit to Winnipeg, Manitoba was in August of 2019. It was a short, however memorable visit. During this visit Don took his niece Thera for a long ride on his Harley alongside his brother Randy. A memory they will both cherish.
As well as a wonderful visit with his sister Joanne and husband Albert. Don enjoyed his trips to Manitoba for the most part; exceptions being the loss of several family members which was so very hard for him. There were also many phone calls shared together over the years he lived in Edmonton.
Don’s friends were very dear to him; he was respected and loved by many. Something he did not share with his family was that he was given a ‘nick-name’ by his friends which was ‘Chrome’ Don loved adding chrome to his Harley, there was always room for one more piece of chrome.
Don was predeceased by brother Kevin in 1968, father Norman in 2006. niece Jody in 2009, brother Rick in 2010, mother Margaret in 2010.
Left to mourn are Don’s two sons, David and Reese; girlfriend, Shannon; sister, Joanne (Albert); brothers, Brad, Randy and Jeff; nieces, Tracy (Jordan) and Ashley; nephews, Michel (Tammy), Ryan (Kailea), Corey (Leanne), Kayden and Sage; great-nieces, Thera, Emma, Norah, Emily and Abigail; great-nephews, Malakai, Owen, Parker and Brody; aunt, Eileen; uncle, Abe (Mary); as well as many, many cousins and friends.
Viewing for family and friends was held on October 17, 2023 at Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel, Bon Accord, Alberta prior to cremation.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Brad Janzen, Randy Janzen, Dan Shaw,
Rick Haddock, Terry Sutcliffe, Gary Labrecque
Don’s final resting place will be in Reinfeld, Manitoba at a later date in summer of 2024.
Details TBA.