Wayne Harry Janssen

Wayne Harry Janssen, 85, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2026, at his home in Russell.

Wayne was born June 13, 1941, in Luverne, Minnesota. He was one of four children born to Harry E. and Helen D.M. (Beyer) Janssen. He grew up in Luverne and graduated from Luverne High School in the Class of 1959. He then served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He served overseas in Turkey as a Nuclear Weapon Mechanic. After his tour of duty, he returned to Luverne.

Wayne met Judith Lee Harbaugh, and was united in marriage on June 20, 1964 in Russell. This union was blessed with two sons; Dean and Doug. They made their home in Luverne, Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, then in 1979 they moved to Russell. Judith preceded him in death on April 1, 2022.

Wayne was a truck driver most all of his life. He drove feed for a warehouse named Walnut Grove in Luverne before moving to Colorado. There he drove for many construction companies before moving to Russell. After arriving in Kansas, he worked for AirGas in Otis, Kansas; then drove for Treat-O-Lite in Russell. He finished his career driving short runs for Wittig Transportation of McPherson. He was the Past Commander of the Russell American Legion Post #99 in 1984. He loved being outdoors and fishing, hunting, camping, going to Wilson Lake, trap shooting, bowling and playing golf.

Wayne’s surviving family include his two sons, Dean Janssen of Russell, Kansas, and Doug Janssen (Cindy) of Ellsworth, Kansas; sisters, Linda Koranda and Louis Parent of St. Joseph, Missouri, three grandchildren, David Bender (Jessica), Amy Maxfield (Kit) and Jeanette Battaglia (John Paul) and 5 great grandchildren.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judith; and brother, Lyle Janssen.

Wayne’s visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday, November 2, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date in the Russell City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.