Lyle E. Janssen, 86, of Fairfield, CT, died at home on Monday, Sept. 30, with his family surrounding him.
Funeral services were held on Oct. 3 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, CT. Burial was held in Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield, CT. Larson Funeral Home in Fairfield, CT were in charge of funeral arrangements.
Mr. Janssen was born in Nokomis on Dec. 18, 1932, to the late Henry and Leota (Mayer) Janssen. He married Ruth Ruzicka on May 7, 1955, and she survives.
A graduate of Nokomis High School with the class of 1950, he was a US Navy veteran, where he served aboard the USS Siboney as a radio operator. Even after 60 years, he could still recite the Morse code.
Mr. Janssen was retired from SNET (Southern New England Telephone company) after 37 years. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, CT serving as Financial Secretary and was on the board of Lawncroft Cemetery.
Mr. Janssen enjoyed golf, poker, bowling and playing Scrabble nightly with his wife and was an avid New York Mets fan. He always had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife he is survived by three children Keith A. Janssen of Trumbull, CT, Bruce H. Janssen of Simsbury, CT and Pamela J. Pietrafesa, of Los Angeles, CA; five grandchildren Kara (Inge) Heredia, Ryan (Christina) Janssen, Lauren (Will) Walker, Carter Janssen and Jenna Janssen; six great-grandchildren, Trent, Fletcher and Emmett Janssen, Brayden and Addison Heredia and Bianca Walker; six nieces and nephews, three of which reside in the area and include Steve (Pat) Janssen of Fillmore, Diane (Jim) Miller of Nokomis and Nancy (Darrell) Vickers of Springfield. He also leaves many great-nieces and great-nephews and many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews in the area.
Mr. Janssen was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Georgia Janssen.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 612 Grand Street, Bridgeport, CT, 06604 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
