David Earl Jansen, age 79 years, of West Bend concluded a life well lived on August 24, 2026 after close care by his loving family.

David was born on January 23, 1947, in West Bend to Earl and Dorothy Jansen. He was united in marriage to Cathy Jansen (Fisher) on October 9, 1970, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend.

They stayed in the same home, known simply as “The Farm,” where David grew up. They raised a family there and David found great joy in maintaining the house and land. To him, grease and grass stains were the marks of a perfect Saturday. A John Deere enthusiast, he enjoyed mowing the lawn as much as he enjoyed watching the Brewers and stock car racing. One of his favorite memories involved riding in the pace car at Slinger Speedway after winning a contest.

He proudly served overseas in Vietnam, and in 2025 was thrilled to be invited by his grandchildren, who knew him as “Pa,” to participate in a Veterans Day parade organized by a trio of private schools in Menomonee Falls.

During the war he was an Army cook. Upon returning home, he would often make for his brood a military recipe known as “SOS,” which involves cream-dried beef over toast. And if you decided to host an event where many hot dogs, hamburgers and brats needed grilling, Dave was your man.

At a young age he developed an aptitude for tools and machines, leading to a career in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. He worked for local HVAC companies Quikflash, Albeiro, and Warnkey & Lehn until retiring. Fixing things was his specialty, which proved invaluable once his children acquired homes of their own.

In his later years he also took to fixing Thanksgiving dinner for gathered family but believed everything tasted better if the Packers beat the Lions while everyone crowded around the small TV in the dining room. He also liked quieter moments at The Farm, often ending the day by sitting on the porch with his sister Lori.

Those David leaves behind to cherish his memory include two children, Stacy (Eric) Beltmann and Jon (Glory) Jansen; grandchildren, Kael and Keaton Beltmann, and Noah, Kate, and Zachary Jansen; brother, Deacon Mark (Jane) Jansen; and sister, Lori Jansen. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Cathy; brother, Greg Jansen; daughter, Valerie Jansen; and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sue Fisher.

A Celebration of Life will be held in spring on the Jansen family farm. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with David’s arrangements. Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family.