BORN

1930

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

801 Northwest 108th Street (Shoal Creek Pkwy)

Kansas City, Missouri

William "Henry" Jansen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 13, 2013.

William "Henry" Jansen passed away peacefully early on the morning of November 12, 2013. He was born January 10, 1930 near Sweet Springs MO to William H. Jansen and Anna Louise (Hartman) Jansen.
At Age 16 he bought a truck and went into business hauling anything anyone woould pay him to move. He later bought a baler and added hay baling to his services.
In 1952 Henry and his brother Merle hired on at General Motors in Fairfax on the same day. They continued there together until they both retired-on the same day-38.5 years later. Henry said retiring was the smartest thing he ever did.
He married Myrtle Falk on July 18, 1953 and their only child, Kathleen, was born December 14, 1954. Myrt preceeded him in death on September 16, 1996.
Myrt and Henry purchased a farm near Sweet Springs in 1963. They worked together improving the farm for many years. After they both retired they began hosting parties there. Henry would invite everyone they knew (and some he had just met) to come, eat and play bluegrass music late into the night.
Henry first learned to play musical instruments as a boy and could play anything with strings. His focus on the fiddle began when he purchased and restored his father's fiddle around 1976. Through his great love for bluegrass music he made many lifelong friends.
He and a group of these friends were instrumental in founding the organization "Heart of America Bluegrass and Old Time" music. (HABOT) His band, Friends of HABOT, met weekly at his home from 1993 to the present. These sessions would include players and listeners, often 30 or more folks gathered for fun, friendship, and good music.
Henry was preceeded in death by his mother and father, two sisters, Carol Theis, Dorothy Smith, and brother Orval Jansen.
He is survived by his brothers Merle Jansen and Donald Jansen, his sister Betty Lou Strawn as well as his daughter Kathleen Groves, her husband Parker Groves, their children Jeffrey, Todd, and Laura Groves.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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November 29, 2013

Wendy Newton

I am very sad Henry has past away. I live in his neighborhood and he really touched my heart with words of encouragement. He was so sweet to my children and everyone. We will miss your fun spirit.

November 23, 2013

Donna Cluck-Flores

Henry we are going to miss you, but now you are up above with myrt, and joining in Our ALMIGHTY MAKERS band, it was an honor to know you! May you rest in peace, and we will see you again someday! I will always remember the songs you sang to me, one of my favorite was "you are my sunshine" Bye Henry you were the life of the party!

November 23, 2013

Paul Harmon

Henry was a friend of my Mom and Dad. They played music together for many years. Henry always was happy to let me set in with him and play.

November 22, 2013

Forrest Ohnesorge

I only knew Henry for the last year when he let me join in his weekly jams. I have grown to appreciate his musical talents, his encouragement, and sense of humor. His collection of musical instruments may appear to be sitting silent, but at times I could swear I still hear that fiddle...

November 22, 2013

Larry Newport

I live two Blcoks from Henry & would go to the jam sessions,I don't play any thing but would listen. I was shoveling snow one time & Henry pulled in my drive honking his horn. He would roam the neighborhood on his golf cart,with kids riding on the back. Every one in N Haven knew Henry. Larry Newport

November 22, 2013

Fred Harper

Henry was a good friend and neighbor. He was the first person I met after I moved into the neighborhood. He will be missed.

November 21, 2013

Clayton Mooney

I knew Henry from GM and our lunch time jam session in the old plant. He surprised with a visit to the house when my wife and I spent a short time living in Sweet Springs. Had a good visit with henry that day. He also showed a few time in Gower where I jam frequently. Clayton Mooney

November 20, 2013

ShayRonn Liquie

The first time I met Henry Jansen was at a Bluegrass Festival. That was 22 years ago and I've played many gigs and enjoyed jamming with him over the years. Henry will surely be missed by all his friends as he had such a warm heart and a loving manner, and such a love for music.

November 18, 2013

Steve Redding

I was invited to Henry's jam session by a good friend and a member of Henry's group for many years. I was surprised and thrilled to be so well accepted by so many very good musicians who had decided that it was more fun to jam at Henry's than to be in a band. He accepted and encouraged so many people over the years and he will be warmly remembered and greatly missed by many.

November 18, 2013

Attracted by the mutual love of bluegrass music, people gravitated to Henry's friendly demeanor and warm personality. Acquaintances became life long friends. I will long remember my relative short time at his weekly jams and continually reflect on the unique opportunity that Henry gave us to gather and bond musically and spiritually. God bless you Henry.
Larry Martell, Scottsdale, AZ

November 18, 2013

Steve Bode

He was one of my best friends since we met 23 years ago. I was in his weekly jam sessions for all of those years. Henry invited anyone that wanted to play bluegrass to come and join us. I had so much fun with him through the years. Of course I am sad at losing him. But, I am happy that he had such a full and wonderful life and that I was invited to be a part of it. And now he can rest in peace. Steve Bode

Posted by Steve Bode

November 18, 2013

I knew and played music with Henry for many years. He was always good for a few laughs. He had many friends who loved him dearly.........that is a rich life. In that regard, he was a very rich man. See ya on the other side Henry!

Mary B

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Memorial Events
for William "Henry" Jansen

Nov

16

Memorial service

11:30 a.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

2003 NE Englewood Road, MO

Nov

23

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

2003 NE Englewood Road, MO

Funeral services provided by:

Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

801 Northwest 108th Street (Shoal Creek Pkwy), Kansas City, MO 64155

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