Charles (Charlie) John Janssen

Charles (Charlie) John Janssen died at the age of 85, on Sunday, Feb. 3, with family at his side.

He was born in Spokane, on March 14, 1927. He and his sister, Violet, were adopted by their aunt and uncle, Jennie and John, when he was seven.

As a child, he grew up in the Ritzville area and attended Ritzville High School, until he joined the Army in 1946. He proudly served in the final stages of WWII. His tours of duty included serving as a Medic in Japan and Hawaii. After his honorable discharge in 1949, he returned to Ritzville and worked on the family farm. He later worked on other farms over the years in the Palouse, Oakesdale and Ritzville areas.

He married Laurabelle Grover in 1956, and celebrated 56 years of marriage. Together they had six children, 13 grandchildren and 13-great-grandchildren.

He loved walking his dog around Ritzville and taking trips to see his kids. He was an avid gardener and loved eating fresh vegetables from his garden. He was always ready for a Sunday drive to visit family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Charlene Joy; brother, Bill; and parents, John and Jennie.

He is survived by his wife, Laura; daughters, Laura, Cheryl, Lena, Beverly (Erik); son, Charles (Jody), son-in-law, Neal; sister, Violet (Dave); brothers, Delbert and Joe (Thelnora); cousins, Juanita (Clinton), Doreen (Rino), and many extended family and friends. The family extends their gratitude to the Royal Park Care Center for their excellent care for him over this past year.

A Veterans Memorial is to be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash., on Friday, March 15, at 3 p.m. A life celebration will follow on Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at the Fix Center located at 4106 North Stone in Spokane.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Adams County Pet Rescue, 509-855-1402; or the East Adams County Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 365, Ritzville, WA 99169. Thoughts or memories can be sent to the family by emailing [email protected].