Leon Jansen

Leon Jansen, 94, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 11, 2016, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born March 25, 1921, in Oran, Missouri, to the late Bernard William and Clara Christine (Brockmeyer) Jansen.

He and Bernice Regina Dirnberger were married Jan. 13, 1943, at St. Denis Church in Benton, Missouri. She preceded him in death Feb. 26, 2016.

Leon was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, where he attended on a Knights of Columbus scholarship. He then served with the U.S. Coast Guard as Fire Control Man 2nd Class; he served on board a patrol frigate in the Atlantic Fleet during World War II. He received the Good Conduct Award, American Theater Ribbon and European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon.

After his service, he enrolled at the Bailey Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating school in St. Louis. Upon completion, he worked for Midwest Dairy in Cape, and in 1959, he started B&J Refrigeration. He later started Jaymac Equipment in 1963, which was one of the longest-standing Carrier dealers in the country.

He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, where he served as chairman of the building committee, St. Vincent's Men's Organization, Knights of Columbus Council 1111 and SEMO Chapter Cursillo. He was a charter member of SEMO Refrigeration Service Engineer's Society, United Commercial Travelers, Evening Exchange Club, American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed riding horses and fishing with friends and family.

Survivors include his sons, Larry (Loretta) Jansen of Jackson, Jerry (Linda) Jansen of Jackson and James (Stacy, Jim's former bride) Jansen of St. Louis; sisters, Lucille Klipfel of Cape Girardeau, Irene (Joe) Klueppel of Benton, Missouri, and Corena (Leroy) Berkbigler of Jackson; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 73 years, Bernice Jansen; son, Leonard Jansen; and brothers, Herman, Paul, Martin and George Jansen.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., with Knights of Columbus rosary immediately following.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating.

Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church or given to be used for Masses.

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.