Obituary of Rev. Adrian Peter Jansen

JANSEN, Rev. Adrian Peter Born July 23, 1919 in Rotterdam, Holland to parents Peter Jansen and Anna Francoise. Fr. Jansen was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour on July 4, 2011 at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital at the age of 91 years. Loving brother to Harry Jansen of LaSalle and his late wife Lorraine (2009). Predeceased by brothers and sisters; Anna Verhelst (Andrew), Rena Allen (Melvin), Peter Jansen (Carmen), Twin sister Dorothy Brinich (Frank), and Theodore Jansen. Survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews in Michigan, Seattle, Vermont and California. From the age of five, Fr. Jansen dreamed of becoming a priest, while growing up and attending Holy Name of Mary Church. Fresh out of high school, he entered into the seminary. His only break was when he served as a medic aboard the H.M.C.S. Laetitia in the Pacific during the Second World War. Immediately after the war, he continued his religious studies at St. Peter"s Seminary in London, Ontario. On June 7, 1952, at the age of 32, Fr. Jansen was ordained into the priesthood at St. Peter"s Cathedral Basilica and began his appointment with the Roman Catholic Diocese of London. He served the following parishes and ministries faithfully to God; Associate Pastor, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Windsor (1952-1954); Priest"Chaplain at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Windsor (1954-1958); Associate Director of Pontificial Work for Priestly Vocations (1958); Teacher at Corpus Christi High School, Windsor (1958-1964); Director of Sarnia area Regis Clubs (1964); Associate Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Sarnia (1964-1966); Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel (1966-1968); Pastor, St. Benedict"s Church, Sarnia (1968-1970); and Director of Holy Family Retreat House, Oxley (1970-1988) until his retirement on July 20, 1988. The values of loving God, family and mankind, along with the firm belief in having faith were instilled upon Fr. Jansen by his parents at a very young age. These values would become the building blocks and foundation that would lead to his eventual calling into the priesthood. Fr. Jansen was very proud of his vocation and felt honoured and privileged to be called upon by God to minister to the people in the communities he served. His many acts of love, kindness and unselfishness were visible throughout his life until his earthly departure to be with his Lord and Saviour. The life of a priest is what he always dreamed of, what he lived faithfully in his ministry to God and His people and what he accomplished as his vocational calling. That was the only honour that he ever sought. May God bless his soul and grant eternal rest onto him. Fr. Jansen is resting at WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (Main Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Rd E. 519-253-7234 on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. with a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will resume on Thursday July 7, 2011 at Holy Name of Mary Church (711 McEwan Ave,) from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m., with a Wake Service at 5 p.m. Family and friends will be received on Friday, July 8, 2011 at Holy Name of Mary Church, with visitation commencing at 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Most Reverend Ronald P. Fabbro C.S.B. will be the presiding celebrant. Committal services and interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. In honouring Fr. Jansen"s life, a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Peter"s Seminary would be appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com.