Jake Jans was born in Sioux County, Iowa, on May 20, 1917. He was the son of Jake and Anna (Vander Vliet) Jans. He grew up on the farm near Boyden, Iowa. Jake was united in marriage to Winnie Vander Veen at Melvin, Iowa, on October 4, 1943. They began farming between Hull and Boyden, Iowa, until 1952 when they purchased a farm near Boyd, Minnesota. They milked cows, raised hogs, chickens, and cattle and worked the land for 37 years. After retiring from the farm, Jake bought a grain truck and custom hauled grain for a few years. Jake spent several years as a volunteer driver for "those in need" and received an "Outstanding Volunteer" award in 1996. He never lost his love for farming and was still helping his sons with field work in the fall of 1999. Jake was a lifelong member of the Reformed Church. He was baptized and made Confession of Faith at his church in Iowa. He has been a faithful member of Hope Reformed Church in Montevideo since 1952. Over the years, he has served as a Deacon, and has been a member of The Gideons. He especially enjoyed singing and listing to "Old Tyme Gospel Music." Jake is probably best remembered for his ability to talk and joke with people, even with those he didn't know, just to get to know them. In recent years, he spent many enjoyable hours fishing with his many friends. Jake passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2000, after a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 3 days. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Winnie Jans of Clarkfield, Minnesota; and his four sons and one daughter: Jake LeRoy (and Carolyn) Jans of Montevideo, Harold (and Rita) Jans of Montevideo, Rodney (and Martha) Jans of Montevideo, Fay (and Stan) Harms of Clara City, Minnesota, and Larry (and Sue) Jans of Clarkfield. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; four grandsons-in-law; and one granddaughter-in-law. Also surviving are three sisters: Grace (Peter) Hibma of Maurice, Iowa, Angeline Tiedemannii of Sibley, Iowa, and Harriet (Henry) Vander Zwaag of Sioux Center, Iowa; three brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Henry Jans and Marion Jans; and sisters: Ida Vander Zwaag, Tillie Wolters, Jacoba Kleene, Henrietta Jans and Carrie Mulder. Jake will be sadly missed by friends and family. Blessed be his memory. Visitation Sunday, March 26, 2000 * 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service 4:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Monday, March 27, 2000 * 1:00 p.m. Hope Reformed Church, Montevideo, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Don Ringnalda Organist, Bev Sneller Soloists Beth Sneller, "It's All Because of God's Amazing Grace" Randall Garrett, "In the Garden" "A Letter To Dad" by Faye Harms Honorary Casket Bearers The Gideons Casket Bearers (Grandsons and Grandsons-in-law) Jim Castle, Dan Dirksen Randall Garrett, Doug Jans Mike Jans, Scott Jans, Kris Rodeberg Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota