LITTLE RIVER - Vernon E. Janssen, 85, died Dec. 5, 2006, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, St. Francis Hospital, Wichita.

He was born Jan. 4, 1921, in Lorraine, the son of Herman G. and Christina Steenbock Janssen. He graduated in 1939 from Lorraine High School and in 1948, from Kansas State University. A longtime resident of Little River, he had been a farmer and was the Veterans Farm training instructor at Little River High School from 1948 to 1954 and was the county supervisor for Farmers Home Administration from 1955 to 1983.

He belonged to Little River United Methodist Church, where he was involved in the United Methodist Men, he was active and held several offices in the Gideon's International, American Legion Post No. 258, and the Lions Club, both in Little River. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and later served five years in the Air Force Reserves.

On July 23, 1950, he married Ione C. Farver in Little River. She died Aug. 27, 2001.

Survivors include: two sons, Royce and wife, Beverly, Inman, and David Janssen and wife, Katie O'Leary, Wichita; a daughter, Cynthia Janssen and husband, Alvin Dukes, Naples, Fla.; two brothers, Arlen, Geneseo, and Jerome, Ellsworth; and three grandchildren, Brett, Pamela and Matthew Janssen.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Melva Splitter and Wanda Olson.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church, Little River, with Pastor Wayne Johnson presiding. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Bean Cemetery, Little River, with military graveside rites conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to the Gideon's International or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, both in care of the mortuary.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.