Wayne E Janssen of Gothenburg passed away on Aug. 19, 2026. He lived and farmed north of Gothenburg all his life. A dedicated farmer, Wayne raised irrigated corn, wheat, cattle and soybeans for many years and took great pride in his work and the farming community.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, John Janssen and Kate (Keiser) Janssen Plank; his stepfather, Martin Plank; his beloved wife, Eileen (Gengenbach) Janssen; his son, Gaylan Janssen; his brother, Raymond Janssen; and his sister, Hazel E. Janssen.
Wayne and Eileen were blessed with three sons: Greg, Gaylan, and Kurt. He is also survived by three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A respected and beloved member of the community, Wayne served on the District 100R School Board and the Dawson County Weed Board. He was also a longtime member of the American Lutheran Church Double Quartet, where he shared his faith and love of music with others.
In his younger years, Wayne and Eileen, along with many members of the Luther League, selflessly helped serve their community.
Wayne enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and the friendships he made through the years. Over the years, he played many games of pitch and pinochle with friends in the Gothenburg and Eustis area. Wayne and Eileen enjoyed traveling throughout the Midwest while listening to 880am radio; from taking Sunday drives to the pastures to checking on the fields. He and Eileen also enjoyed driving to Eustis and Columbus to visit siblings. Family vacations were always timed around the weather. When it rained enough to shut off the irrigation wells, the family would take the opportunity to travel and explore. Among their memorable trips were Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks and the 1967 Montreal World's Fair.
Wayne was especially proud of his family and deeply devoted to his grandchildren, John, Matt, and Sarah. He encouraged them throughout their many accomplishments.
He was a regular supporter of the county and state fairs as well as Husker Harvest Days. If it had anything to do with farming, he was involved.
In April, Wayne celebrated his 100th birthday with a well-attended party at Stone Hearth Estates. His long life was marked by hard work, faith in Christ, music, friendship, family and love for the people around him. He will be remembered for his devotion to Christ, the farm, his community, his pride in his family, and the countless memories he created with those he loved.
Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, with the family present from 4 - 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg. Lunch will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gothenburg FFA or Gothenburg Meals on Wheels.