Irvin Janzen

Irvin Janzen was born on March 13, 1938 on a farm near Dalmeny, Saskatchewan. He was the third child born to Annie and Peter Janzen.

The early years were not easy financially, and Irvin learned to work hard from an early age. This work ethic stayed with him his entire life and passed on to his family. He attended school in Dalmeny, going on into the work force at the tender age of fourteen after the family moved to Saskatoon. Irvin first worked at Fix-It Furniture. His standards were high and his workmanship exemplary. He later went to work at Palm Dairies and Coop Dairies, working at the latter until his retirement. He then went to work at Spitz with his son, Allan, often making deliveries as far away as Prince Albert. He was friendly and outgoing, and enjoyed the connections he made with the various customers he served.

Irvin met the love of his life, Victoria (Vikki) Royce Walshaw, in 1957. They married in early September of 1959 and had five children. Irvin was an excellent provider and wonderful father. He was also a wonderful son, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was dependable and compassionate, always there if needed. Over time, he learned to cook and bake. His butter tarts were the best! He loved to help Vikki with family events, and everyone enjoyed the delicious food that they cooked up.

Irvin had numerous skills and interests. He generally took care of any home renovations and repairs, making sure everything was as perfect as he could make it. He also enjoyed working in his yard, and took great pride in his flowers and vegetable garden. Irvin loved hunting and fishing, and enjoyed spending time with his son, Allan, and his grandsons at their favourite haunts up north. This grew out of summer visits in the early years to Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park.

Irvin was a Christian, a man of principle and strong convictions. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and was extremely loyal and committed. He was not shy about voicing his opinions, which could result in some lively conversations!When Vikki suffered two debilitating strokes in January of 2013, Irvin was at the nursing home every day helping with her care and just hanging out with his Sweetie. He continued to host family gatherings and events, showing the importance he placed on the family.

Irvin knew how to persevere in adversity, weathering the tragic death of his oldest son, Doug in 1975, surviving a heart attack and battling bladder cancer, and then working through the unfortunate strokes of his beloved life partner. His stoic strength and gentle, caring spirit were noted by many.

After a serious fall in the winter of 2024, which resulted in a brain-bleed and some mobility issues, life became more difficult. He spent some time in hospital in the winter of 2025 before being placed at a Luther Care facility. It was learned that he was suffering from some internal bleeding in addition to some other issues. He entered St. Paul's Hospital in June, spending the last week of his life in the Palliative Care Unit, where he died peacefully in the presence of family in the early evening of August 13th.

Irvin is survived by his wife, Victoria Royce Walshaw, his son Wes (Colleen) Niebrugge and children Mandy (Neal) Ganton, Carson, Nolan and Kolby Ganton, Kristin (Brad) Pelletier, Reid, Tegan and Jager Pelletier, Randi (Adam) Parker, Gaven, Levi and Braxdyn Parker, daughter Sherry (Darrel) Olbort and children James Olbort, Rebecca (Dustin) Bassingthwaite, Nora Bassingthwaite, son Allan (Laurel) Janzen and children Matthew Janzen and Callie Janzen, Brenton (Caity) Janzen, Atticus Janzen, Spencer (Erin) Janzen, Tyson and Milo Janzen, Michael Janzen, daughter Susan (Webster) Wilkesheski and children Nikkee (Tyler) Moniuk, Jenaya and Emree Moniuk, Tori (Carey) Spratt, Chloe and Bree Spratt, Ashley (Lindsay) Neu, Carter and Beau Neu, sisters Lorene Joyce Johnson and Eileen Anne Reimche, sister-in-law Lou Walshaw, and many nieces and nephews.

Irvin is predeceased by his son Peter Douglas Janzen, his mother Anne McClure, father Peter Janzen, brother Elmer Janzen, sisters Edith Doreen Anderson and Ruby Lois Simus, nephew Cameron Anderson, brothers-in-law Boyd Johnson, Ernie Anderson, Doug Reimche, and Ted Walshaw, mother-in-law Royce Walshaw, and father-in-law Edward Walshaw.

Irvin will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Mr. Irvin Janzen's care and arrangements.