Gerard Theodorus Jansen

Gerry was the loving husband of the late Isobel Jansen. Beloved father of Eve-Lynne Smith and Jocelyn Jansen-Burt (Don). Surrogate father to Anita Cote (Dean) and Nicola Curtis (Derek). Step-father to Jennifer Fischer (Ed), Neil Hudman (Robin), Judy Aitchison (Wayne), Steve Hudman (Julie), Ian Hudman (Val) and Sheila Smith (Al). He was the cherished grandfather of Lauralee Szakaly (Marc), Jeremy Smith (Donna), Zachary Burt, Evan Curtis, Olivia Curtis, Brady Curtis, Logan Curtis, Jaden Cote, Dawson Cote, Christopher Fischer (Ronnie), Doug Fischer, Julie Goodwin (Andrew), Bethany Plunkett (John), Karensa Pries (Josh), Janelle Wright (Phil), Dan Hudman (Crystal), Josh Hudman, Meighan Harris (Joe), Tyler Harris (Lindsay), Trevor Aitchison (Anna), Angie Fletcher (Mike), Ryan Aitchison (Corrie), Tyler Artuso (Ashley), Kyle Artuso, Shane Hudman, Collin Hudman, Melanie Hudman (Peter), Monica Hudman (Jason), Joel Hudman (Megan), Troy Hudman (2000), Travis Smith (Sarah), and Dylon Smith (Angee). He was also a great-grandfather to 30. He is survived by his brother John Jansen (late Denise), sister Maria Colaizzi (Dominic), sister-in-law’s Diane Jansen (late Louis) and Fran Jansen (late Frank). Gerard will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Born in Zevenaar, Netherlands on February 10, 1932, Gerard was the son of Frank and Dina Jansen. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 and eventually settled in Guelph where he worked for Owens Corning/Fiberglass for over 25 years. He embraced his faith and was devoted to God. Gerard loved farming and raised Black Angus cattle. He was proud of his success winning Grand Champion Female at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Gerard was also the recipient of the Carnegie Hero Medal for saving the life of Nancy Kozlovic by pulling her out of a burning plane that crashed outside of a home near the Guelph Airport in 1998.

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we would like to thank the nurses, staff, doctors and management team at the Riverside Glen Retirement Home, the Guelph General Hospital and Hospice Wellington for their compassion and care of Gerry over the last year and during his final days.

Resting at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 6-9 p.m. To attend a visitation time, please RSVP on the funeral home website, under Gerry’s obituary. A private family service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, January 14, 2022. Interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington or Mercy Ships would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online donations and condolences can be made at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.