Leona Mae Janzen

Leona Mae Janzen, age 93 of Lincoln, NE (formerly of York, NE) passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at the Hillcrest Firethorn care facility in Lincoln.

Leona was born Sept. 20, 1928 to George H and Helena (Kroeker) Friesen in Henderson, NE and graduated from Henderson High School. She married Edwin M. Janzen on October 5, 1948.  They lived in York and had five children: Burl, Charlotte, Valerie, Velma, and Dwight.  Charlotte passed away at birth. Family and faith were always the most important parts of Leona’s life as well as music and for many years she gave piano lessons at her home and taught piano for York Public Schools through their adult education program.  The Janzen’s attended Council Church in rural York County where she played the piano and was active in the Sunday School Program.  Later they attended Arbor Drive Baptist Church in York where she played the organ and headed the Sunday school and Christmas programs for many years. She later moved to Lincoln but remained active in the church.

Leona is survived by sons Burl (Marion) Janzen of Villisca, Iowa; Dwight (Jeanine) Janzen of Palos Hills, Illinois; daughters Valerie Janzen and Velma Janzen both of Lincoln, grandsons Jeff (Andrea) Janzen of South Sioux City, NE and Brent (Sarah) Janzen of Bellevue, NE; and great grandchildren Kolben, Sophie, and Lia Janzen all of Bellevue, NE along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Edwin; daughter Charlotte; brother Harry Friesen; sisters Edna Friesen and Irene Friesen; daughter-in-law Kay Janzen; and brothers-in-law Albert Janzen and DeWayne Janzen.

There will be a public viewing at Metz Mortuary in Henderson on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Her family will greet friends and neighbors at the mortuary from 12:00 to 1:00 pm., that same day at the mortuary. Graveside services will then follow in the Bethesda Cemetery northeast of Henderson at 2:00 p.m.

A tribute for Leona will be held in the Sunday School Class room at the Berean Church at 6400 S. 70th St in Lincoln on Sunday May 29, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Online condolences may be sent to her family at http://www.metzmortuary.com

Metz Mortuary in Henderson is arranging services.