Cindy Janssen, of Jordan, passed away on October 12, 2015 at the age of 72. A Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1:00 PM with visitation from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Hope Lutheran Church; 201 Hope Avenue; Jordan, MN. Pastor Steve Thompson will preside.
On October 10, 1943, Gerald and Louise Babb celebrated the birth of their daughter, Cynthia Ann Babb, in Ripon, Wisconsin. Cindy was a happy child and a wonderful older sister to her brother Steve. During her childhood Cindy’s family moved around. They spent time in Hopkins, MN; Bristol, SD; Rapid City, SD and eventually ended up in Hancock, Minnesota. During her school years, Cindy developed a lifelong passion for education.
After graduating from Hancock High School, Cindy attended the University of Minnesota Morris. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree and pursued her teaching license. Cindy’s first job was as an elementary school teacher in Hancock. She excelled at her work and had such a talent for working with students.
In the early 70’s Cindy moved to Jordan were she raised two wonderful sons, Brian and Eric. After a few years of living in town, they moved to the country. Cindy loved being surrounded by nature, and truly loved her home. She lived there for more than 30 years.
It was very easy for Cindy to get connected in the small town. She loved people and was very social. Cindy developed many wonderful friendships quickly and was involved in many town activities. She was one of the charter members of Hope Lutheran Church. When she joined, they didn’t even have a formal location for services. She has been an active member since the start of the church.
Cindy worked at Jordan Elementary School where her focus was assisting children who needed a little extra help with their schoolwork. She eventually became the Title One specialist in Jordan. Cindy was very dedicated to her work, and she treated every child with kindness and compassion. When Cindy suffered a stroke on April 1, 1984 she was forced to take a year off from work, but she was determined to get back to school quickly. Cindy was able to return to the job that she loved and spent many more years teaching in Jordan before retiring in 2004.
Even after retiring, Cindy didn’t give up teaching. She still worked with kids by providing tutoring services out of her home. The kids that she tutored loved going to her house and she loved having them. She developed wonderful relationships with many of her students. Some even came to visit her long after their tutoring had ended.
In retirement Cindy enjoyed all of the nature that surrounded her at her home. She especially liked overlooking the pond and watching the animals frolic in the yard. Cindy loved being in her home where she had her favorite cat with her. But eventually she required additional care. In 2010, Cindy moved to Kingsway Assisted Living. She lived there for a year and then moved into the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home. Cindy was happy to be surrounded by kind and caring people. She made many friends and was close to both the staff and the residents.
After many hard and trying years, Cindy went to be with the Lord. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Cindy was a strong woman. She will be missed deeply and remembered always by her sons, Brian Janssen and Eric Janssen; mother, Louise Babb; brother, Steve (Mary) Babb; nephew, Pete (Melissa) Babb; niece, Anna (Joel) Sellin; other loving relatives and many dear friends. There to greet Cindy in Heaven is her father, Gerald Babb.
Memorials to the Lutheran Home Association (377 South Meridan Street, Belle Plaine, MN 56011-1919) are preferred.
The Janssen family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
