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BELLEVUE — Paul Frederic Jansen, 91, Bellevue, a man whose life was a testament to resilience, hard work, kindness, faith and an unwavering love for family, peacefully died Dec. 4, 2023.
Visitation and a wake service to celebrate Paul’s life were Dec. 12 at St. Bernadette Parish, Bellevue.
The funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Dec. 13, at St. Bernadette Parish. Paul was born June 30, 1932, to Henry and Anna Klug Jansen, the ninth of their ten children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph, Ervin, Roman, Richard (Joan); and sisters, Bernadette (Ivo) Kathol, Hildagard, Delores (Gilbert) Haselhorst, Juliana (Ray) Pick, and Jeanette Pinkelman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Jansen; son, Jim (Kim) Jansen; daughter, Jeanne (Brandon) Taylor; and grandchildren, John Paul, Josie, Josh, Joey, Jacinta and JoyAnna Jansen, and Tate Taylor; in-laws, Betty (Ron) George, Margaret Jansen and Edward Pinkelman.
Paul’s beginnings were humble and rooted in hardships as his family navigated the challenges of the Great Depression and loss of their mother when he was very young. He learned the importance of hard work early in life as he toiled alongside his dad and siblings on the family farm to provide sustenance for the household. These formative years shaped Paul’s work ethic and instilled in him an appreciation for life’s simple blessings.
Paul went on to serve his country in the Korean War, then, following his service he took a job at NASA as part of the RCA division, applying his radio, sonar, and mechanical skills. He eventually returned to his Nebraska roots, starting a construction company with his brother, Richard Jansen.
During this time Paul would also go on to meet his partner in life, Barbara Elaine Carey. They shared 51 years together, a marriage deeply rooted in love, faith and service to their community. Together they pursued additional business ventures, each bringing skills that complimented the other, further highlighting the strength of their union.
Paul was a humble, soft-spoken man, with a kind and generous heart. He welcomed family and friends to his home and ensured no one left hungry. He took care of those around him, often through the gifts of his labor and carpentry skills. He had an ornery side, with a particular penchant for “dad” jokes – with a twinkle in his eye, he’d often ask “have I ever told you the one about…” and was delighted by their laughter and his own. He instilled in his children the meaning of hard work, to save for the future, and to live within your means. He was a gentle and proud grandfather to his seven grandchildren. He shared a special love with Barbara. He was a devout Catholic and active in the St. Bernadette community throughout his life.
Memorial donations may be made to the following in remembrance of Paul: St. Bernadette Parish, Serra Club Mass for Shut-ins and Siena Francis House.
