June 5, 1932 – Saturday, November 13, 2010

Service Information
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 302 2nd Stre
Saturday, November 20, 2010
2:00pm

Visitation Information

Gordon H. Jans, age 78, of Buffalo, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

Gordon Herbert Jans was born June 5, 1932 at his parents farm in Chatham Township, Wright County. He was the son of Herbert and Elsie (Drusch) Jans. Reverend Waldemar P. Sauer baptized him at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buffalo on July 10, 1932. Reverend E. R. Berwald confirmed him on April 14, 1946, also at St. John’s.

After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1950, he farmed with his Dad until April of 1953 when he was drafted into the U. S. Army and spent some time in Japan. After his discharge in 1955, he started driving school bus for the Mattson Bus Company and worked at the Buffalo Co-op Creamery, later known as Centra Sota.

On June 1, 1957 he was united in marriage to Ruth Arlene Neske at St. John’s by Reverend E. R. Berwald. They were blessed with the birth of two daughters and one son. In 1966, they moved to a farm near Lake Constance because it was a good place to raise a family.

In addition to hobby farming, Gordon worked throughout the years: driving school bus, working at Bowman Sheet Metal, and retiring in June of 1997 from Ebenezer Covenant Home. He was also the Clerk/Treasurer for Buffalo Township for 28 years. Gordon volunteered as a representative for Food for Life and was an active supporter of Wright County Pork Producers with countless hours spent frying pork chops for local events.

Gordon was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and was active in the Men’s Choir and PEP Group. He also served as the Finance Secretary for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; children Barb (Mike) Greenhagen of Kansas City, MO, Brian (Kim) Jans of Buffalo, MN; and Diane (Jon) Gilmer of Bloomington, MN; grandchildren Jeremy, Nick (JoLaina) and Justin Greenhagen; Josh Jans, Miranda (Tony ) Krueger, Luke, Zach, and Marissa Jans; Chad, Ryan and Trevor Gilmer; brother Dale (Karen) Jans and many other relatives and friends that were important in his life.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00pm Sat., November 20, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Visitation will be 4-8 pm Friday at the church and 1 hour prior to the service Saturday. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the Community Health Foundation for the Hospice House, Struthers Parkinson’s Clinic or St. Johns Lutheran Church.

Pallbearers will be: Jeremy, Nick and Justin Greenhagen, Josh and Luke Jans and
Chad and Ryan Gilmer.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo assisted the family with arrangements.