Clariss Jansen

Clariss Mae, daughter of Clay and Ollie (Hamann) Christian, was born February 1, 1927 in Manning, Iowa. She grew up in Manning and attended school there, graduating with the Class of 1945. Clariss passed a Civil Service Exam and went with her friend to Washington, D. C. to be a secretary. After returning to Manning, she taught school for a short time. Clariss was united in marriage with Alvin Jansen on December 3, 1948 after he had received his honorable discharge from the military service. They lived in Omaha, Nebraska for a short time before returning to Iowa to live permanently in Aspinwall. Six children were born to this union. Clariss worked at L. R. Nelson Corporation for 26 years. She also worked as a waitress for Saunders Steak House and Deb's Corner Café. After her retirement from L. R. Nelson, Clariss owned and operated a flower shop and liquor store and volunteered at New Hope Bargain Shoppe. Clariss was very involved with the community of Aspinwall serving as City Clerk for a number of years. She was also involved with her husband's activities for the Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University where he instructed county employees in maintainer usage. Through this association he was sent to Volkov, Russia in 1995 to teach land owners to build and maintain roads in order to deliver produce to market. He and Clariss made many trips around Iowa to present a slide show on this trip to Russia. Clariss was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, visiting casinos and spending time with her family. After the death of her husband in 2008, Clariss was able to live in their home and then an apartment until she started having health problems. She was in and out of the Manning Hospital and the Manilla Manor for a number of months before her death. She died at the Manilla Manor Nursing Home, Manilla, IA on Friday, September 16, 2011 at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 15 days. Preceding Clariss in death are her husband and eight half siblings. She is survived by her six children: Tam and husband Bob Merriman of Manning; Tom Jansen and wife Carol of Hurst, TX; Teresa Benning of Avoca; Ted Jansen and wife Ronda of Aspinwall; Tim Jansen and wife Jodie of Carroll; Terri and husband Bruce Mohr of Ute; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Officiating RUTH ANNE OHDE, CELEBRANT Recorded Music "HOW GREAT THOU ART" "AMAZING GRACE" "ON THE WINGS OF AN ANGEL" Casket Bearers GRANDCHILDREN OF CLARISS AND ALVIN KIRK MERRIMAN TREBOR MERRIMAN RACHAEL PHELAN SHANE JANSEN JENNY MUHLBAUER TATUM KNOP MATTHEW BENNING JESSICA FORD KRISTY JANSEN NICOLE CLAEYS CASSIE JANSEN JAKE JANSEN BRETT MOHR