Barbara Blanche (DeFrain) Jantzen

Barbara Blanche (DeFrain) Jantzen, gained her wings surrounded by her loving family at Gardenside Nursing Home on August 10, 2024.Barb was born on May 11, 1945, to Howard and Anna (Eisenhauer) DeFrain. At the age of five the family moved from their home in Alexandria to Bower. Where she was raised on the family dairy farm. She attended Bower District 16 School through eighth grade. She was very proud to say that she got to “skip” 1st grade because she was so wise. She graduated from Fairbury High School in 1962. She went on to attend Fairbury Jr. College and then taught fifth grade for five years in Shickley. She then attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, graduating with her Bachelor of Education Degree. She finished her teaching career in Hebron after two years. In 1972, she met the love of her life, Raymond Jantzen of Plymouth. They married on July 29, 1972, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fairbury. They made their home on the Jantzen family farm, rural Plymouth. They worked together running the dairy, doing the farming, at times they also had pigs, sheep, goats and after selling the dairy cows they had some beef cattle. Barb was always willing and ready to hop into the tractor and head to the field. If not, outside she was inside preparing food for her loved ones. After the sale of the dairy cattle Barb went to work for Southeast Community College as the director of the Parents of All Ages Program and then as a property coordinator before retiring in 2014.Barb was baptized at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Daykin, confirmed in the Presbyterian Church, Fairbury. Later in her life, as a commitment to her strong faith, she felt called to reaffirm her baptism by immersion. She was active in her church, Peace United Church of Christ, later Peace United Methodist Church of Plymouth, as Sunday School superintendent and teacher for many years, along with the church council and Women’s Dorcas. As a child Barb was involved in 4-H, showing Holstein cows, sewing, baking, and livestock judging. As an adult she continued her love of 4-H as a leader and served on the 4-H Council and the Extension Board.Barb and Raymond had 3 children, Becki, Brandi and Randall. She loved supporting her children with all of their activities. But the stars in her eyes came with the birth of her grandchildren. She would light up when any of them walked in to see her. She loved attending their ball games, concerts, 4-H events right up to a month before her passing. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, mother-in-law, Katie Jantzen, father-in-law, Edward Jantzen, sisters-in-law Carol DeFrain and Faye Jantzen.Left to cherish her memories: her loving husband, Raymond, daughters Becki (Loren) Schmidt of Fairbury, Brandi (Brian) Hennerberg of Diller, son Randall (Mary) Jantzen of Lincoln. Grandchildren Samantha, Cale, Ellen, Wyatt, Nathan, Eli, and Amaya Schmidt of Fairbury, Gabby and Isaac Jantzen of Lincoln. Step-grandchildren Calvin (Hannah) Hennerberg of Diller, Camille Hennerberg of Lincoln, Reese (Karlee) Hennerberg of Beatrice. Great Step-grandson Luke Hennerberg. Brothers Dennis (Carol) DeFrain of Goodyear, Arizona and Rex (Tamie) DeFrain of Fairbury. Numerous extended family and friends.Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be August 23, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury at 1:30. The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 on August 22, 2024, at Gerdes Meyer Funeral Home. Memorials will go to Cottonwood Hospice and Jefferson County 4-H. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com

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