Died Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Nye Pointe in Fremont.
Ramon (Ray) Earl Janssen was born July 5, 1937, in rural Hooper to Earl and Harriett (Graver) Janssen. He passed peacefully on December 17, 2022 in Fremont surrounded by his family. Ray was baptized at home and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Hooper. He attended grade school at District 16 and graduated from Hooper High in 1954. On April 10, 1960 he married Nancy Bang at Redeemer East Lutheran Church of Hooper. Ray and Nancy lived on a farm north of Nickerson until 1962 and then moved to Nickerson. He worked for his father at the Nickerson Bar and in 1963 purchased the grocery store in Nickerson that he and Nancy operated for 31 years. In March of 1976, they purchased a second store, the City Meat Market in Hooper, where Ray took pride in his homemade meat products.
Ray served on the Nickerson Village Board, Nickerson Volunteer Fire Department, Nickerson School Board, Logan View School Board, Hooper Commercial Club Board, Dodge County Zoning Commission, and Farmers Mutual Insurance Board. He was a member of the Nickerson Lions Club, American Legion Post #18, Masonic Lodge #72, and the Fremont Pathfinder Chorus. Ray was a veteran of the US Army reserves, serving from 1959 to 1962. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church of Fontanelle where he served on the council and sang in the choir for many years.
In 1992, Ray was elected into the Nebraska Legislature where he served District 15 for 16 years. He served on and chaired many committees. He was known in the legislature for his integrity and honesty and always took time to listen to his constituents. Ramon (Ray, Ramie, Ray Jay) was a people person. He once was quoted as saying, ''I never met a person I didn't like''.
As busy as Ray was, his wife and family was always put first. Ray enjoyed being with his family, playing his harmonica, singing, hunting, and golfing. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Survivors include his wife Nancy, children Nick (Susan) Janssen, Michael (Vicki) Janssen, and Nola (David) Swenson; a brother Leigh (Sandy) Janssen, sisters-in-law Leslie Janssen, Elaine (Duane) Brand, and Ann Keene, seven grandchildren, five great granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sister Erlaine Plugge, brother Monte Janssen, nephew Colin Janssen, brothers-in-law Lyle Plugge, Lyle Bang and sister-in-law Jeanyne Bang.
The funeral will be 10:30am, Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Salem Lutheran Church of Fontanelle. Burial will follow in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Salem Lutheran Church of Fontanelle. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 5pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(15)
Marilyn (Meier) Mejstrik
Omaha, NE Thursday, December 22, 2022 So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Perre Neilan
ELKHORN, NE Wednesday, December 21, 2022 Thank you for letting me share in your service today. Sen. Janssen was a kind, patient gentleman to this young, know-it-all legislative staffer. He treated me like an equal although he was a giant, and I was just a boy. Please know that he touched SO many more people in his life than you even know. I was blessed to work with him and learn from him. It sounds simple, but it all comes down to this - Ramon Janssen was a good man.Leon Blomendahl
Fremont, NE Tuesday, December 20, 2022 With sadness we learned of Ray's passing. He served his community in many ways and will be mourned by all who knew him. May the comfort of God's love through Jesus comfort you in this time of mourningCurt and Eunice Warren
Fremont, NE Monday, December 19, 2022 We are so very sorry for your loss!Curt and Eunice Warren
Suzanne Baker
Omaha, NE Monday, December 19, 2022 We are so sorry for your loss.Ann Kobs
Blair, NE Monday, December 19, 2022 I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad for being friendly and his great smile! As a senator, Ray always took the time to wave to my 4th grade students when we came for a capitol visit. He will be missed. Prayers for your family.Gary and Sara Cordes
Hooper, NE Monday, December 19, 2022 Nancy and family-We are so sorry for your loss. Ray Jay was one of a kind. I remember lots of conversations at the golf course after his few holes usually over his lunch break😉. May you find comfort in your memories in the days ahead 🙏🙏
Gary Bobbitt
Fremont, NE Monday, December 19, 2022 Ray will be truly missed. I remember him from the Pathfinder Chorus. Such fun times were had.Duane and Judi McKenzie
Fremont, NE Monday, December 19, 2022 So sorry to read about Ray. He was quite a man and was known by everyone and he knew everyone. He will surely be missed.Kellie Garrison
Mesa, AZ Monday, December 19, 2022 Condolences to the family. It was a pleasure working for Ray and Nancy all those years ago. Good memories.Connie Rokusek
Oakland, NE Sunday, December 18, 2022 Nancy, Nick, Mike, Nola, and familiesThoughts and prayers with you as you remember an amazing man. Peace be with you.
Steve & Connie (Moeller) Rokusek
Sara Bourek
North Bend, NE Sunday, December 18, 2022 I’m so sorry for your loss, Nancy and family. I will always remember the first day I met Ray in Hooper. Your love, faith and commitment is something we could all learn from, Nancy. Holding you all in my heart.Brenda Grimes
Fremont, NE Sunday, December 18, 2022 Nola and the Janssen, I extend my sincere condolences as you grieve the loss of Ray. May you and your family know the peace and love of the Lord now and always.Sincerely, Brenda Grimes
Tal Pinion
Elkhorn, NE Sunday, December 18, 2022 So sorry for your loss, it was always a pleasure visiting with Ray.aggregate
West Ginaview, WA Sunday, December 18, 2022