Steven Earl Janzen was born Aug. 29, 1951, to Earl and Lucy (Sandwell) Janzen in Marion, Kansas. Steve graduated from Peabody High School in 1970, and married Phoebe Ann Heyman the same year. He played basketball at Neosho Community College, and graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in Physical Education and School Administration.

Steve’s first teaching and coaching job was in Everest, Kansas, in 1976. In 1978, he taught middle school English for USD 408 until he retired in 2006. Steve coached football, basketball, and track for 31 years. He was recognized as Kansas Middle School Coach of the Year, twice.

Steve loved being a dad and a grandpa. He cherished his family greatly. He thoroughly enjoyed coaching, listening to sports talk radio, watching sports, attending his children and grandchildren’s events, reading the paper, and visiting with friends. After retirement, Steve enjoyed being a substitute rural mail carrier, driving through the countryside while listening to talk radio.

Steve was a fun-loving, caring, and genuine man who not only loved his family, but also cared deeply for his students and athletes. He was an influential and inspiring teacher and coach. He’ll be remembered for his contagious smile, memorable quotes, encouragement, and always seeing the best in others.

Steve passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014, surrounded by family. He is survived by his parents, Earl and Lucy Janzen of Newton, Kansas; his wife of 44 years, Phoebe Heyman Janzen; sisters Marilyn Cook (Ray) of Newton, Kansas; and Karen Ewy (Arlen) of Wichita, Kansas; daughters, Amy Zeller of Hutchinson, Kansas; Amanda Denton (Tyson) of Howard, Kansas; Rachel Thalmann (Drew) of Haven, Kansas; son, Steven Janzen (Jennifer) of Hillsboro, Kansas; and 11 grandchildren: Davion and Jordan; Joshua, Eli, Nolan, and Cy; Abby and Jake; Zayden, Zeke and Zoey.

Visitation with family was Tuesday at Zeiner Funeral Home in Marion. A memorial service was held today at the Marion Presbyterian Church. 

A memorial fund has been established for St. Luke Hospital of Marion, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion KS 66861.