JANZ, Helmut Bernhard
June 15, 1930 – Lakendorf, East Prussia
October 22, 2016 – Calgary, AlbertaWe celebrate the homecoming of Helmut Bernhard Janz. His heavenly father called him home on Saturday, October 22, 2016.

Helmut was born in Lakendorf, East Prussia on June 15, 1930. He was raised in a loving, Christian family home, and was the oldest of six boys. His school years were interrupted by World War II and the family fled to West Germany, leaving their precious homeland and all of their possessions behind. After spending seven years in Germany, the family decided to immigrate to Canada. After a stormy voyage of sixteen days on the Beaverbrae, they arrived in St. John’s, NB. Their destination was Coaldale, AB, which they finally arrived to on December 27, 1951. While in Coaldale, the family had a contract with a beet farmer who had sponsored them, but because it was winter and there were no beets to hoe, Helmut went looking for a job and landed one on the spot with Canadian Pacific Railway. He eventually found work in Calgary as a framer, which began his career in housebuilding and other construction projects.

Helmut was very involved in his Church, and other major projects in and around the city. His love for his Lord, Jesus Christ was evident in his daily walk. The things he did on a daily basis were done in honour to serve his Lord and Master. Helmut married his wife Martha (nee Prochnau) in November of 1953, and raised his son, Rick, and daughter, Sharon. He was a faithful husband, wonderful father, and a true friend.

Helmut is survived by his wife, Hertha Foth Martens; Daughter, Sharon; Daughter-in-law, Geri; Grandchildren, Eric, Ian, Rebecca, Matthew, Emily and her husband, Zander, Katie and her fiancé, Michael; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred and Ingrid, Henry and Ellie, Gerhard and Esther, Ruth, Erika; Hertha’s children, Paul and Tanja, Yannick and Chantal, Ron and Astrid, Skyler, Carter and Eric, Vic and Christy, Sydney and Soren, Karl Martens; Brothers-in-law, Herbert Foth, Walter Foth; Sisters-in-law, Agnes Foth and Helene Foth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helmut was predeceased by his first wife, Martha (September of 1999); Son, Rick (July of 2016); Parents, Bernhard and Erna; Brothers, Arthur and Kurt.

The family would like to thank the staff at the George Boyack Carewest Centre for their compassionate and loving care that was given to Helmut in the two years that he was there.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Services will be held at Highland Mennonite Brethren Church (4018 Centre B Street N.W.) following the graveside service. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

The parking lot of the Centre Street Church West Campus (4120 Centre Street N.) may be used if overflow parking is required.

If family and friends so desire, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee at mccab.ca/helmut-janz or at the Mennonite Brethren Church (4018 Centre B Street N.W.).