Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Janssen, Charles John “Charlie”

JANSSEN, Charles John “Charlie” (Age 85) Charlie passed away of natural causes on February 3rd, 2013, with family at his side.

He was born in Spokane, WA on March 14, 1927.

He and sister Violet were adopted by his Aunt Jennie and Uncle John, when Charlie was 7.

As a child, Charlie grew up in the Ritzville area and attended Ritzville High School until he joined the Army in 1946.

He proudly served in the final stages of WWII.

His tours of duty included serving as a Medic in Japan and Hawaii.

After his honorable discharge in 1949 Charlie returned to Ritzville and worked on the family farm; and later worked on other farms in the Palouse, Oakesdale, and Ritzville areas over the years.

Charlie married Laurabelle Grover in 1956 and celebrated 56 plus years with Laura.

Charlie and Laura had 6 kids, 13 grandkids, and 13 great-grandkids.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Laura; his daughters, Laura, Cheryl, Lena, Beverly (Erik); his son, Charles (Jody); son-in-law Neal; his sister, Violet (Dave); brother, Delbert; brother, Joe (Thelnora); cousins Juanita (Clinton), Doreen (Rino); and many others.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Charlene Joy; his brother, Bill; and his parents, John and Jennie.

Charlie loved walking his dog around Ritzville and taking trips to see his kids.

He was an avid gardener and loved eating fresh vegetables from his garden.

He was always ready for a Sunday drive to visit family.

There will be a Veterans Memorial at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake on Friday, March 15th at 3pm.

There will be a Life Celebration for everyone on Saturday, March 16th at 2pm at the Fix Center, 4106 North Stone, Spokane, WA 99207.

Our family would like to personally thank Royal Park Care Center for their excellent care of Charlie over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Adams County Pet Rescue (509) 855-1402 or the East Adams Co. Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 365, Ritzville, WA 99169 Thoughts or memories can be emailed to Janssencw@comcast.net.