Don Janssen, 83, of Avon died Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at his home in Avon. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM , Saturday November 12, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Avon with burial at First Baptist Cemetery in rural Avon, with Military Honors. Visitation will begin Friday from 5-7 PM with family present, at the church, followed by a 7:00 PM prayer service.

Donald Eldon Janssen was born August 22, 1933 to Jasper and Lizzie (Engel) Janssen in rural Bon Homme County. He died Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at his home in Avon.

Don attended James Country School near Avon. He married Betty Berndt on January 3, 1954 at the Tyndall Baptist Church Parsonage. He was baptized and became a member of the First Baptist Church on May 23, 1954. Three sons were blessed to this union. Don served in the US Navy from December 1955 until August 1957. Don and Betty farmed in the Avon area until moving into Avon during the summer of 1973. He then worked for MJ Implement and Kocer Implement in Wagner. Don worked for the Avon School District as a janitor and bus driver and then drove truck for Orvin Tjeersdma Trucking in Avon. In 1992, his last place of employment was Brian's Service in Avon where he worked until his retirement. During this time he was a member of the Avon Fire Department for 31 years where he served as Assistant Fire Chief. Betty died on September 1, 2016.

Don was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and Sunday School in Avon. He will be remembered as a good mechanic; a handyman, who was very good with his hands. Don enjoyed building chests and things out of wood for his grandkids.

Thankful for having shared in his life are three sons: Doug (Mary) of Tripp, Keith (Jean) of Yankton and Brian of Avon; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gladys Hasker of Yankton and Shirley Branaugh of Atascadero, CA and many friends and neighbors.

Don was preceded in death by his wife; parents and two brothers, Jim and Glen.