Leon Janssen

Services for Leon D. Janssen, 86, of Columbus will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. The Rev. Adam Lassen will officiate, with burial at Roselawn Cemetery in Columbus.  The visitation will be from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Leon Janssen died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Columbus.

Leon Dale Janssen was born April 2, 1938, in Platte Center, NE to August B. and Minnie L. (Kamm) Janssen. He attended elementary and high school in Platte Center until the family moved to Columbus, where he graduated from Columbus Senior High School (Kramer) in 1956. Leon was active in football. Leon attended Nebraska College of Business in Omaha, graduating in 1958. He also earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha & was a proud member of MENSA.

Leon worked for Person Sport Shop and Massey Ferguson before starting his career at Mutual of Omaha, where he worked for 34 years. He was well known as Santa for he portrayed him at various children's parties and charity events. He also participated in several company marathons and blood drives, donating over ninety-nine pints.

Leon was an avid golfer, runner, bicyclist, and sportsman. He traveled to many PGA golf tournaments and enjoyed playing golf with his two brothers on Sundays for years. He participated in numerous B.R.A.N. bike rides across Nebraska. He also loved riding his bike to his cabin at Wagner's Lake in Columbus, where he enjoyed swimming, boating, water skiing and making memories with his family. He took flying lessons and was a member of the Columbus Rifle Club. Leon also enjoyed the YMCA, the opera, Husker football, and listening to music.

Leon was a strong, independent, and intelligent man who was a mentor to many family members. He was also a kind, dedicated, and giving man who cared for his mother in her last years. His love for his family will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Leon loved life and lived his to the fullest. Leon is survived by his brothers, Gary (Bonnie) and Gayle (Jeanetta) of Norfolk; Aunt-in-laws, Faith Kamm of Kearney, Mary Fae Kamm of Duncanville, TX, and Jeanette Kamm of Elkhorn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; sister Beverly (Ron) Wells; half brother Victor (Edna) Janssen; all the eleven Kamm aunts and uncles; and several cousins.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckownfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations are suggested to the family for use later.