Official Obituary of
Mr Lester Walter Janssen
April 16, 1933 ~ January 12, 2026 (age 92) 92 Years Old
Lester Janssen Obituary
Lester (Les) Walter Janssen, a cherished soul whose life was marked by kindness and love, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida. Born on April 16, 1933, in Carroll, Iowa, Lester was the beloved son of Walter Janssen and Mable Hupp. His journey through life was one of dedication, service, and the joy of family connections.
Les's early years in Mallard, Iowa and then Laurens, Iowa, laid a strong foundation for the man he would become. His commitment to service was evident when he joined the Army, serving his country with honor and pride. After his military service, Les continued to make a difference in his community as an active member of the Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was a devoted member and supporter of his Catholic church in Milford, Iowa.
Les's professional life, with New York Life Insurance, was marked by the same dedication he gave to every endeavor. His work ethic and leadership were respected by all who knew him. But it was his personal life that truly defined him. Les was a loving husband, first to the late Monica Janssen and then to the late LaDonna (Donna) Janssen. His heart was large enough to find love again, and he cherished the memories created with both of his partners throughout his life.
Predeceased by his parents and stepparents, Walter & Irene Janssen and Mable & Harold Netsch and brother, Marvin Janssen. Lester's legacy continues through his loving family. He is survived by his children, Joe (Colleen) Janssen, Diane (Bill) Peterson, Michael (Shannon) Janssen, Lynne (Steve) Jackson, and Tonya (Curt) Langner. His sister, Janice (Marlin) Egertsen , also remains to honor his memory. Lester was a grandfather to eleven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Les's interests outside of work and family were a reflection of his love for life. He loved to play golf, finding peace and camaraderie on the greens. Those who played alongside him will remember his gentle encouragement and the laughter shared between strokes. Les and Donna were passionate about breast cancer awareness and their love for golf coincided with the Golf for a Cure held annually at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Arnolds Park, Iowa.
To know Les was to know kindness personified. He approached every person and situation with a loving heart, and his kind demeanor was felt by all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. His was a life well-lived, full of love, service, and the simple pleasures that make life rich.
As we say farewell to Lester Walter Janssen, we celebrate a life that touched so many. His spirit will live on in the memories he created with his family, the community he served, and the countless lives he enriched simply by being himself. Lester's journey on earth may have concluded, but the love he shared will continue to ripple through the generations. Rest in peace, dear Lester, your legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Golden Years Assisted Living for their dedication and love they showed him during his last months, Good Shepherd Hospice, for their compassionate care, and Miss Sandy for her unwavering companionship the last couple of years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date with services being held privately by the family.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300
Les's early years in Mallard, Iowa and then Laurens, Iowa, laid a strong foundation for the man he would become. His commitment to service was evident when he joined the Army, serving his country with honor and pride. After his military service, Les continued to make a difference in his community as an active member of the Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was a devoted member and supporter of his Catholic church in Milford, Iowa.
Les's professional life, with New York Life Insurance, was marked by the same dedication he gave to every endeavor. His work ethic and leadership were respected by all who knew him. But it was his personal life that truly defined him. Les was a loving husband, first to the late Monica Janssen and then to the late LaDonna (Donna) Janssen. His heart was large enough to find love again, and he cherished the memories created with both of his partners throughout his life.
Predeceased by his parents and stepparents, Walter & Irene Janssen and Mable & Harold Netsch and brother, Marvin Janssen. Lester's legacy continues through his loving family. He is survived by his children, Joe (Colleen) Janssen, Diane (Bill) Peterson, Michael (Shannon) Janssen, Lynne (Steve) Jackson, and Tonya (Curt) Langner. His sister, Janice (Marlin) Egertsen , also remains to honor his memory. Lester was a grandfather to eleven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Les's interests outside of work and family were a reflection of his love for life. He loved to play golf, finding peace and camaraderie on the greens. Those who played alongside him will remember his gentle encouragement and the laughter shared between strokes. Les and Donna were passionate about breast cancer awareness and their love for golf coincided with the Golf for a Cure held annually at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Arnolds Park, Iowa.
To know Les was to know kindness personified. He approached every person and situation with a loving heart, and his kind demeanor was felt by all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. His was a life well-lived, full of love, service, and the simple pleasures that make life rich.
As we say farewell to Lester Walter Janssen, we celebrate a life that touched so many. His spirit will live on in the memories he created with his family, the community he served, and the countless lives he enriched simply by being himself. Lester's journey on earth may have concluded, but the love he shared will continue to ripple through the generations. Rest in peace, dear Lester, your legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Golden Years Assisted Living for their dedication and love they showed him during his last months, Good Shepherd Hospice, for their compassionate care, and Miss Sandy for her unwavering companionship the last couple of years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date with services being held privately by the family.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300
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