MARTIN JANSEN

Martin L. Jansen, 67, of Kelso, Mo., returned to his heavenly Father Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000, at his home.

Martin was born July 19, 1933, in Cape Girardeau, son of Bernard and Christine (Brockmeyer) Jansen and lived in Southeast Missouri his entire life. He received an eighth-grade education at Diebold School in Kelso, and obtained his G.E.D. while serving in the military. Martin married his soul mate, Mary Jane Drury of Kelso, Oct. 3, 1959, in Cape Girardeau.

He began his career in 1952 as a laborer with Drury Plastering Co., and was called to serve in the Korean War from 1953-1955. Martin later worked at Drury Tile and Plastering, Drury Co., and Drury Construction. Since 1983, he served as president of Columbia Construction Corp., most recently serving as chief executive officer.

Martin was a parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso since 1966. In addition to serving as eucharistic minister, he also served on the Parish Council, Building Committee, Men's Club, and Cemetery Board, and was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6420. Martin had a love and commitment for his Catholic faith and education. During his 48-year construction career, Martin oversaw building projects on St. Ambrose School, Chaffee; St. John's Church, Leopold; St. Augustine Church, Kelso; St. Denis School, Benton; St. Mary's Church, Cape Girardeau; Newman Center, Southeast Missouri State University campus; St. Lawrence Church, New Hamburg; St. Michael's Church, Fredericktown; St. Vincent's School, Cape Girardeau; Red Star Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau; and Knights of Columbus Hall, Kelso/Scott City. His service continued on the Notre Dame Regional Catholic High School Board and Maintenance Committee. He was a devoted member of the Missouri Right to Life, Families for Life, Vitae Society, and Marian Charities organizations.

Martin's business memberships include: past president of RCGA (Regional Commerce and Growth Association), Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors, SEMO Contractors Association, SEMO District Council of Carpenters, and past treasurer of Plasterer's Union Local #340.

Above and beyond his vast church and community memberships, Martin was best known for his love for helping others. He lived the Golden Rule. He did his best to always put God first in his life, and his priorities remained true: God, family, work. Among his favorite sayings; "The Lord will provide." His many accomplishments included: being an extraordinary husband, father, and "gramps," making the sacrifices necessary to put nine children through Catholic education and college; being project coordinator for the new Notre Dame High School; and his work on the Cemetery of the Innocents. He continually became actively involved in organizations that helped others less fortunate. His most recent endeavors included: Food for the Poor, a future memorial to the unborn, and Capital Partners. While on earth, he strived for peace in his business relations, in his work as a community leader, and among his family. He passed away in peace, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Now, his soul rests in the eternal peace that only our Creator can give.

Martin enjoyed the simple things in life: dancing (polkas/waltzes), traveling with his wife, spending time with his children and grandchildren, taking care of the farm and animals, playing cards, trout fishing and deer hunting.

Martin will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He spread cheer through his ready smile and conversation, and he knew no stranger. May his goodness live on in those he left behind. Family members include: his wife, Mary Jane (Drury) Jansen of 41 years, and his children and grandchildren; Ron and Patty Bradshaw of Kelso, and children; Gina, Geri, Genny, Austin and Alex; Michael and Tricia Jansen of Loveland, Colo.; Susan Jansen of St. Louis; John and Missy Jansen of Kelso, and children; Joshua, Stephanie and Benjamin; David and Mary Jansen of Cape Girardeau, and children; Jacob, Clayton and Olivia; Greg and Kathy Jansen of Jackson, Mo., and children; Bobby and Megan; Bill and Krista Keesee of Kelso, and daughter; Evan; Mark and Deborah Perry of New Bedford, Mass., and children; Anthony and Daniel; Tom and Amy Jansen of Kelso; and Anne Elizabeth (deceased). Martin's brothers and sisters include: Leon Jansen, Cape Girardeau; Herman Jansen, Kelso (deceased); Raymond Jansen (deceased); Paul Jansen, Rogersville, Mo.; Mrs. Joe (Lucille) Klipfel, Cape Girardeau; George Jansen, Kelso; Mrs. Joe (Irene) Klueppel, Benton; and Mrs. Leroy (Corena) Berkbigler, Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Augustine Parish, Notre Dame High School, or SEMO Lifesavers.

Family and friends may call Friday, Oct. 27, at the new Notre Dame High School Cafetorium, beginning at 2 p.m. for family, 3-9 p.m. for friends. A special prayer service in tribute to Martin's life will be held at 7 p.m., followed by the Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30.

A Funeral Mass with the Rev. Oliver Clavin will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are being provided by Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel in Cape Girardeau.