Gretel Irene (Kopp) Janssen

Gretel Irene (Kopp) Janssen, age 85, of Norton, Kansas passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at the Andbe Home, Norton, Kansas. She was born on June 3, 1934 to Alfred and Alice (Hadley) Kopp in Norton, Kansas. She grew up in Norton and graduated from Norton High School. She married Gilbert Janssen on July 25, 1954 in Norton, Kansas. To this union three children were born; Judy, Janet, Jerry. Early in their marriage they farmed by Hendley and Arapahoe, Nebraska and later moved to Norton, Kansas. Gretel worked for many years at the Norton State Hospital in dietary department and as a nurse for the Norton County Hospital. She would retire in 1994. After Gilbert’s retirement, they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas. After Gilbert’s declining health, they would move back to Norton to be closer to family. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Norton and enjoyed singing in the choir and women’s chorus. She also was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and enjoyed hobbies of quilting, sewing, reading, and needle work of all kinds. Gretel is survived by her daughters Judy and husband Aldon Pfannenstiel of Norton, Kansas, Janet and husband Robert Ladue of Colby, Kansas and son Jerry Janssen of Grand Island, Nebraska. 7 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Sisters Claire Eppinger, of Norton, Kansas, Marlene and husband Jerry VanMatre of Beaver City, Nebraska, Charlotte and husband David Kindall of Norton, Kansas, Carolyn and husband Ed Briley of Independence, Missouri and Kathy & husband Kenneth Sell of Kearney, Nebraska and sister-in-law Donna Janssen of Arapahoe, Nebraska, brother-in-law Wally and wife Ruth Janssen of Kearney, Nebraska. He is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gilbert, infant daughter, grandson Derek, brother-in-law Bruno & Rhineholt Janssen, brother-in-law LaDon Eppinger. Viewing and visitation will be Wednesday, August 14, 2019 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Norton, Kansas prior to the service. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at 10:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Norton, Kansas with Rev. Rick Rostek, officiating. Interment will follow at the Norton Cemetery, Norton, Kansas. Memorials are suggested in Gretel’s honor to the Andbe Home of Norton, Kansas. Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements. Condolences or personal reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com.