Fred Janssen

Frederick George Janssen was born on September 16, 1936, to Fred George and Eliza Sophie (Wulff) Janssen in Barnesville, MN.  He was raised and lived his entire life on the family farm in Skree Township.  Fred was baptized and confirmed in Barnesville.  During his youth he was active in 4-H and showed animals at the fair.  He attended school in Barnesville and was active in FFA and band during his high school years, graduating in 1954.  Following high school, he attended the School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota, graduating in a year and a half.  He returned home to the family farm. 

On August 27, 1960, he married Beryl Nadine Jensen at Hawley Lutheran Church.  They began their life on the Janssen Farm.  Fred was a dedicated farmer who cared for the land and animals all of his life.  He was involved in his community through his church at St. James UCC, Farm Bureau, Lions, and Jaycees helping with tractor pulls.  He was a founding member of the Barnesville Clinic Board.  He was also an auctioneer for years.  He served in the ND Air National Guard for about 6 years.  Fred loved his family, and he cared about people.  He enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, and Texas Hold’em.  His hobbies included water skiing, boating, and flying his planes.  His first love was farming, next was his wife and family. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beryl of Barnesville, four children:  David (Carol) Janssen of Barnesville, Kurt (Kristi) Janssen of Moorhead, MN, Julie (Gary) Johnson of Argyle, MN, Renee (David) Taylor of Pueblo, CO, nine grandchildren: Maverick Janssen, Sidney Leaf,  Taylor Hoots, Jayda Hendrickson, Starr Johnson, Ashley Pierce, Jadelyn Taylor, Kennedy Taylor and Bridgette Taylor, one great grandson Christopher Pierce, sister Grace Haskins of Loveland, CO, and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Eliza, one brother Clifford Janssen. 

Fred died on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND. 

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Sunday, June 11^th, 2023, at St. James UCC in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, June 12^th at St. James UCC in Barnesville with Rev. Jim Greene officiating.  Burial will follow in Rosemound Cemetery in Barnesville. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.