Gilbert F. Janssen, 81, of 322 N. Chestnut St. Minonk, died at 5:47 p.m. Thursday (March 15, 2001) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.

There will be a memorial mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Minonk, with the Rev. Robert Gilles officiating. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service Monday at the church. Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or in the form of masses to his Church.

Mr. Janssen was born Nov. 11, 1919, in Minonk, the son of John F. and Otelia Clott Janssen. He married Zelda Loftus July 26, 1942, in Minonk. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Donald G. Janssen of Fairbault Minn., and Gary J. Janssen of Jensen Beach Fla., 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.

His parents and one sister, Wilma Krone, preceded him in death.

Mr. Janssen was a member of St. Patrick's Church and had served on the church council.

He was a Navy veteran of WWII, a 50-year member of the Minonk American Legion Post and was a member of the Minonk Veteran of Foreign War Post.

He served on the Minonk ambulance squad for over 15 years, was appointed as its first squad chief and served as chief for many years.

He was a member of the former Minonk Lions Club and Minonk Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Janssen owned and operated Janssen's Tavern for 40 years.