Edward Jansen

Edward J. Jansen, Sr., 84, of Newport, MI, formerly of Port Huron, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2006. Ed was born February 28, 1922 in Port Huron, and was a resident of the Blue Water Area for 55 years before moving to the Monroe/Newport area in 1977. He graduated in 1940 from Port Huron High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country as a radioman during WWII. Returning to Port Huron after the war, he went to work for the Detroit Edison Company, retiring in 1985 following a distinguished 39-year career. Ed was a familiar figure in Blue Water Area youth athletics. He coached baseball for many years in the Fort Gratiot Little League, and was a baseball and softball umpire for many area leagues for more than 30 years. He also volunteered his time to local high school football and basketball programs. In his retirement years, Ed was an avid golfer, and was a lifetime-member of the River Raisin Golf Club in Monroe. Ed was a member of the Monroe Alliance Church and served on its Board of Trustees. He was an active volunteer at many hospitals, nursing homes and local organizations in the Monroe area. Ed is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joyce J. Jansen of Newport; five sons, Edward (Diane) Jansen, Jr. of Warren, Kenneth (Joanne) Jansen of Arlington, VA, David (Barbara) Jansen of Sandusky, MI, Thomas (Barbara) Jansen of Roselle, IL, and Charles (Aneta) Jansen of Fort Gratiot; three daughters, Suzanne (Richard) Shovan of Fort Gratiot, Rose Bassett of Port Huron, and Jeanne (Steven) Campau of Fort Gratiot; two step-sons, Patrick (Agueda) Philbin, Jr. of Brentwood, CA and Peter Philbin of San Diego, CA; one step-daughter, Susan (Pete) Reyes of Ann Arbor; 25 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and a brother, William (Ruthie) Toles of Port Huron. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, 1720 Elk St at Pine Grove Avenue, Port Huron. The Rev. Robert H. Mann will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Greg Jansen, Scott Campau, Tom Campau, Mike Bassett, Jeff Bassett, Dan Jansen, and Tim Jones. Memorials in Ed's name may be made to the Monroe Alliance Church in Monroe or to the Faith Lutheran Church in Port Huron.