Elva May (Siebert) Janzen, age 97, of Henderson, NE passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Henderson Hospital in Henderson, Nebraska. Elva was born on May 7, 1929 to Emma (Epp) and Chris C. Siebert in Henderson. She grew up on a farm east of Henderson with her older brother Raymond and younger sister Gladys.
Elva attended District 30 Country School and graduated from Henderson High School in 1947. She enjoyed her school years and her friends very much and looked forward to their class reunions. During high school she lived with her grandmother Plett in town. Elva often shared memories of growing up in a small 4-room farmhouse that frequently had guests for night and meals. She would reminisce about tending her dad’s cows along the road ditches, bringing in cobs for the stove, and carrying endless buckets of water from the windmill to the house. She was a good storyteller.
Elva was baptized in 1947 and remained a lifelong member of Bethesda Mennonite Church. She taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, served on Ladies Mission Circle Committees, and helped her father when he served as the church janitor. And it was at church that she caught the eye of Walter Janzen. They were married on October 9, 1947 by Rev. A. W. Friesen. Together they farmed and raised three children, Royce, Gary, and Rebecca. Walter and son Gary, both died in 2007, a very sad time for Elva and her family.
Many stories have been shared of Elva and Walt’s early years together, from a nervous bride milking Walt’s cows for the first time, being rescued by John Doell in his airplane the winter of 1948, and coaxing an adventurous 2-year old son down from atop the windmill. Elva was a hard worker, faithfully farming alongside Walt, as well as the tasks that come with being a farm mother and homemaker. In later years, she and Walt enjoyed traveling. A highlight was visiting her sister Gladys who served with Commission on Overseas Missions as a nurse anesthetist and chaplain at Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan.
Elva always had a large garden, sewed clothes for herself, children, and grandchildren, crocheted afghans, and was a fabulous cook and baker. Her cookies and cinnamon rolls were the BEST. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Holidays around her long Amish made table that sat 24 were a feast.
Elva is survived by her son Royce (Carol) Janzen of Henderson, daughter Rebecca (David) Dolezal of Lincoln, and daughter-in-law Pam (the late Gary) Janzen of Henderson. Seven grandchildren: Jay Dee and Wendy Janzen of Henderson, Brad and Kara Janzen of Henderson, Scott and Christa Janzen of Goshen Indiana, Kevin Janzen of Henderson, Kyle and Talia Janzen of Omaha, Carissa and Brad Neifeldt of Gretna, Carlee and Dee Humm of Elkhorn, 18 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter, son Gary, brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Mabel Siebert, and sister Gladys Siebert.
The family is very grateful to the Legacy Square Staff for the compassionate care Mom received. We could not have asked for better care than you provided. Thank you also to Henderson Health Care staff for her excellent medical care over the years and during her last few days.
Graveside services are scheduled for 9:45 a.m., Friday, September 4, 2026 at Friesen Cemetery, west of Henderson. Memorial services will follow at 10:30 a.m., at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Visitation will be held from 1-9 p.m., Thursday, with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m. that evening, all at Metz Mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to Bethesda Mennonite Church or Mennonite Central Committee.