FRANKLIN E. JANTZEN, 102 of Grant, went home to be with the Lord, October 10, 2019, in North Platte.
Frank was born December 22, 1916, at Hampton, Nebraska, to Frank G. and Anna (Williams) Jantzen. At a young age, Frank and his family moved to Paxton, where they made their home in a grainery with a single heater to keep them warm. Frank learned to trust in the Lord early in his life, as there were many times when life was challenging.
On April 10, 1941, Frank married Alice Kroeker. The couple moved to Los Angeles, CA, for eight months before moving to Paxton, where they farmed. Their union was blessed with one son, Lloyd. The couple moved to a farm north of Madrid, where they lived until their eventual retirement. Frank and Alice were foundational members of the Mennonite Brethren Church (New Life Fellowship Church) in Grant; Frank had even served on the building committee. The couple made their home briefly at Westview before moving into Parkridge in Grant, where Frank had resided for the last five years. Most recently, Frank had been living in North Platte, at the home that his late son had built, overlooking the peaceful rolling hills south of town, no doubt a tiny foretaste of the beautiful view that Frank had longed to see, and the room that had been lovingly prepared for him by his Savior.
Frank's faith in Christ was absolutely foundational in his life. It was on that foundation that Frank built his family, farm, and relationships. It was so important to him that his family come to know and trust Jesus in their lives, which is what made him such a great husband, father, and grandpa. Frank saw life with great clarity, understanding that gaining everything that the world had to offer meant nothing without trusting and believing in Christ. In his 102 years of living, he'd experienced both poverty and prosperity, both perhaps gifts from the Lord in their own sense, to teach Frank about the things that satisfy, and the things that don't. As a result, Frank gave like he had nothing to hold back, he loved his grandchildren like the well would never run dry, he read the Bible and listened to KJLT radio like the truths and beauty of God's word was meant to impart nourishment to his spirit.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; son, Lloyd; 5 siblings, Matilda, Marie, Herb, Lenora, and Irene.
Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Sharon Jantzen of North Platte; grandchildren, Jerred (Sharon) Jantzen of Arroyo Grande, CA, Cindy (Jarret) Malmkar of Grant, Dave (Val) Jantzen of Madrid; 14 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Michael, and Leah Jantzen; Emily, Alexander (Bethany), Dylan (Kristen), Natalia, and Joseph Malmkar, Monica Akumu; Madison, Kahle, Isaac, Jacob, and Nikolas Jantzen; one great-granddaughter, Brooke; along with many other relatives and friends.
Memorials are suggested to KJLT Radio in Frank's memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 10:30 am at the New Life Fellowship Church in Grant, with Pastor John Goodell officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Madrid Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.