Earl F. Jansen

Earl F. Jansen, Jr. died December 21, 2008. He was 67. He had lived in Texas for 30 years, for a time in Austin and then in Cedar Park. In 1959, Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired in 1979 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. While in the service, Earl attended Nebraska University and graduated with a business degree. In his military career, he served in the U.S. and Germany as Management Analysis Superintendent and during the Vietnam War he served in Thailand as a specialist in Integrated Avionics Electronic Warfare Equipment and Component Technician. After retirement from the military, Earl's business training prepared him for two civil service careers. He worked as a financial analyst at Bergstrom Air Force Base hospital until the base closed and then went to work for the IRS. Although Earl was definitely "a straight arrow"- honest, dependable, patriotic, keenly interested in politics and proud of his ability to provide for his family - he was also notable for his off-beat sense of humor. He delighted in making people laugh. Earl was an accomplished swimmer, walked five miles a day, was a computer whiz and danced the Texas two-step with enthusiasm. Earl also delighted in his navigational skills when dealing with Austin traffic. He could be counted on to figure out the quickest way to get to any destination – often that destination was a restaurant, as Earl loved going out to eat. Unfortunately, for the last few years of his life, Earl was forced to deal with a number of serious and debilitating health problems, problems that robbed him of his ability to swim, walk his five miles a day, dance, drive and enjoy most of his favorite foods. But nothing could rob him of his sense of humor, his pleasure in the company of others, his interest in politics and computers, and UT football. In health, Earl was an outstanding human being. In great illness, he was an awesome spirit. Earl is survived by his wife Joycelynn; daughter Michelle Jansen; step-daughters Theresa Mitchell and Sherri Edwards; step-son Carl Mitchell; and sisters Teresa Curtis and Patty Jansen. Preceding Earl in death were his parents, Catherine and Earl F. Jansen, Sr.; brother Joseph Jansen; and son Michael Jansen. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27th at Austin Memorial Park.