Marvin “Jiggs” Janssen, age 89 of Sac City, IA, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by his family. Marvin Dale Janssen was born on May 3, 1934, to parents Reinard and Francis (Breon) Janssen in Yetter, IA. The family first lived in Carnarvon, IA, and then on a farm southeast of Early, IA, where he attended grade school. Jiggs graduated from Sac City High School with the Class of 1953.
On June 6, 1954, Jiggs married his high school sweetheart and absolute love of his life, Macel Joan Nicewanger, at the United Methodist Church in Sac City. This union was blessed with four children, Janet, Jerald, Joni, and Jennifer. They made their home in Sac City where he worked for Farber & Otteman Furniture Store as a carpet layer. He eventually owned and operated his own carpet store and Montgomery Ward catalog business in Sac City. In 1980, Jiggs switched his career path and became an insurance salesman for Farm Bureau Insurance Company. He and Macel, along with daughter Jennifer, moved to Sioux City, IA, where he worked for an independent insurance company. They lived there for nineteen years before returning to Sac City in 1999. Upon returning to Sac City, Jiggs was again employed by Farber & Otteman but this time as support staff for their funeral homes. He worked services and visitations for many years and also helped with transportation, making many long trips out of state. Jiggs worked at Farber & Otteman right up until moving to Norwalk, IA, in the summer of 2022, officially retiring at the age of 88.
In his free time, Jiggs enjoyed woodworking in his shop and he golfed on Men’s League for several years. He and Macel enjoyed traveling together and went on several vacations. He also enjoyed the yearly family vacations they took their kids on when they were all still at home. The family did a lot of camping together as this too was something they all enjoyed. Jiggs was small but mighty. He was a hard worker who instilled great work ethic into each one of his children. He had a huge heart and great sense of humor. He was a great friend to many and looked forward to meeting new people. Jiggs could easily strike up a conversation with anyone, and never met a stranger. He always looked forward to having morning coffee with the guys, most recently held at the Sac Community Rec Center.
Jiggs and Macel’s marriage/relationship was admirable. They both had very strong faith in the Lord and were truly best friends. When Macel’s health started to decline, Jiggs stayed right by her side and was insistent that he be her primary caregiver. Her health continued to decline and she was moved to the nursing home and even then, he was right by her side, twelve hours a day.
Jiggs loved his family and cherished any time spent with them. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Rest assured, He and Macel are together in God’s beautiful paradise, walking hand in hand once again.
Survivors include his children, Janet Lewis (Dennis Lawyer) of Indianola, IA; Jerry (Chris) Janssen of Sioux City, IA, Joni (Don) Rench of Norwalk, IA, and Jennifer (Jeff) Boland of Plano, TX; grandchildren: Nicole (Aaron) Giddings, Justin (Jessica) Lewis, Lindsey (Tim) Laielli, Jill (Rich) Jeffords, Michael (Melissa) Janssen, Jason Rench, Ashley Rench, Hailey Boland (fiancé Harlee), and Macey Boland; great-grandchildren: Caleb, Mallory, Nolan, Eden, Charlotte, Henry, Emery, Toni, Devin, Alessandra, Ashlynn, Dominic, Logan, Tregan, Jacob, Cameron, Xander, and Zoey; sisters Wanda Bulten of Early, IA, and Nera Zimmer of Des Moines, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Jiggs was preceded in death by his wife, Macel Janssen; parents Reinard and Francis Janssen; sisters Arlene Heun and Ardola Huisenga; and brother Reinard Janssen.
