Anita Janzow, also lovingly called “Nana” and “Old Nana,” passed away peacefully on Friday, August 24, 2018, with her grandson Bret at her side. She was 96 years old and was born in Meadow Grove, Nebraska on April 16, 1922 to Rev. Armin and Clara Guettler on Easter Sunday. She was a faithful servant to our Lord and Savior.

Anita is survived by her son, Chuck Janzow (Martha) of Boerne, Texas and her daughter, Kathy Banducci of Eureka. She had six grandchildren — Greg Janzow (Kristin), Gretchen (Reza), and Gayle Janzow, Krista (Banducci) Hilmen (Mike), Brandon Banducci (Teena), and Bret Banducci (Kassidy). Her 12 great-grandchildren included Cole, Nate, and Jack Janzow, Ethan, Madeline, Evan, and Miles Hilmen, Piper Banducci, Elliot and Grant Banducci and step-grands Kylee and Brandyn.

She attended first grade in public school in Meadow Grove, and her family moved to Columbus, Nebraska, where she attended the Immanuel Lutheran parochial school, from 2nd to 8th grade. She attended Columbus High School and graduated as class valedictorian in 1939. She attended St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas after graduation. In 1941-1942 she taught at a parochial school in Fort Lauderdale at the age of 20.

Anita met Bert Janzow in 1941 at a college reunion. They were engaged for almost two years while Bert served in the Navy in New Caledonia. They were married upon his return on January 20, 1945. From 1945 to 1955 they lived in Neenah, Wisconsin, where Bert worked for Kimberly Clark. In 1955, they were transferred to Anaheim, California. They became members of Zion Lutheran Church, where they were devoted members for over 50 years.

In the following years, Anita gave much to her church and community by being involved in LWML, Sunday School, a den mother for Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Visiting Angels, King’s Daughters, and Assistance League. She became a member of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which she continued to enjoy for over 50 years! She also enrolled in the Bethel Bible Study and was a leader for many years at their church.

Anita and Bert had many wonderful trips abroad as well as travels in the United States. Some of her most memorable trips were to the Holy Land, Singapore, Germany, France, Hawaii and river cruises. They were also avid bridge players and involved in many bridge groups. Their home was in Yorba Linda until Bert’s passing in 2013. Anita and Bert were married almost 69 years.

Upon Bert’s passing, Kathy and her family moved Anita to Eureka, where she resided at Alder Bay for the past four years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a long standing member of PEO.

We are all very thankful that Mom, Nana, Old Nana, made the move to Eureka. She was able to enjoy family activities with her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her extended family, the Harrises. Her stories and remembrances were treasured by us all. We also appreciate the staff at Alder Bay and their care of mom.

In addition to those mentioned above, she is also survived by her sister, Dorian Purtzer, brother, Rev. Ronald Guettler and wife Marilyn, brother-in-law Richard Janzow and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen, and husband, Bert and many family members.

Anita has been laid to rest along side her beloved Bert and son Stephen in Neenah, Wisconsin.

A memorial gathering will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 3 at 4 in the afternoon. A later service will be held in Anaheim at Zion Lutheran Church on January 11, 2019 at 11 in the morning. All friends and family are invited to attend.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Anita Janzow’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.