Albert E. Janzen, 93, left this world on August 11, 2017, to join his family and friends who had gone before him. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017, at the River of Life Church, 4007 MT 200, East Missoula, Montana at 2:30 P.M.
Bert was born to Peter and Mary Janzen in Luster, Montana. He had eight brothers and sisters. His younger years were spent helping on the family farm and tinkering with the farm equipment. He served his country during World War II by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Lucille Yoder, and they were married on August 7, 1950. Together they raised three children. Bert and Lucille enjoyed a full and happy life together until she passed in 1976.
He found love again when he met Jean Slater. On June 18, 1978, Bert and Jean were married, and they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their families until she passed away in 2001.
Bert was gifted mechanically and honed this gift throughout his life. He owned his own mechanic shops and worked for Ford Motor Company and Caterpillar until he started his final mechanic shop, Bert’s Auto Repair, in Missoula. His hobbies included playing pinochle with friends, playing Skip–bo with
family, hunting, and fishing. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing his entire life. He was above all a Family Man. He worked hard to provide well for his family, and he loved unconditionally.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, his two wives, one brother, four sisters, and many friends. He leaves behind his three children, Deloris (Greg) Johnson, David Janzen, and Dorothy (fiancé Gary Clark) Fritz; his brother and two sisters; his four step-children, Randy (Jan) Slater, Donna (Craig) Phillips, Ray (Paula) Slater, and Ken (Kelly) Slater; and his 15 grandchildren, 16 great– grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was best known by those around him as a jokester, a ladies’ man (he was a looker!), and his love for everything sweet, especially pie, ice cream, Snickers, and Turtles. While he was unwilling to be burdensome, he never hesitated to help others. He was selfless, kind, funny, and he will be greatly missed.
