Jay, 72, of Sparta, WI passed away in his home on March 28, 2022. Jay was born in Marshall, MN and was the son of the late Melvin F. and JuliaAnn (Helgeson) Janzen, Sparta.
He is survived by his brothers Kie (Kathy) of Lakeville, MN, Roy (Liz) of Oshkosh, WI, brother-in-law Michael Knop of Whitefish Bay, WI, 7 nieces and nephews plus 15 grandnephews and grandnieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, DonnaRae Knop.
Jay graduated from Sparta High School in 1967. Jay was drafted (then enlisted) into the Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a Communications Specialist stationed in Hawaii. After the Army Jay spent a year living in Modesto, CA before returning to Sparta.
Jay was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing/kayaking, traveling and anything outdoors. His love for the outdoors began as a young man camping with his parents and family across the Midwest states and into New Mexico (Philmont Scout Ranch). Jay earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was an avid hunter for pheasant (with his cousins in South Dakota), quail, whitetail deer, antelope, and bear. His passion was muskie fishing and anything muskie. The Chippewa Flowage and River, plus the Nemekagon River were his frequent and favorite trips for muskie. Jay was very detailed, spending many hours fine-tuning his fishing and hunting equipment. He invented, created, and improved his outdoor gear to aid his outdoor adventures.
Jay spent several years working for La Crosse Plumbing Supply before changing careers to tax and financial services. Jay retired in 2021 as owner of Janzen Tax and Financial Services, LLC in Tomah, WI. His attention to detail and precision served his clients well in their tax and financial management needs.
Jay loved and cared for his parents in their later years. He was a proud Norwegian (mostly), often visiting his large extended family throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. Jay was really in his element with a cup of coffee and a good story, either listening or telling, and laughing.
A memorial service to celebrate Jay’s life will be held Thursday, July 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to a charity of your choice to honor Jay’s life.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
