Marie Janssen Van Roekel

PHOENIX – Marie Janssen Van Roekel died peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 19, 2018, with her family at her side. She was born to Henry and Frances Janssen on May 4, 1914, in a farmhouse in rural Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard Van Roekel; her parents; and five of her seven siblings. She is survived by her children Fran Collmann (Larry); Ruth McGregor (Bob); Joyce Zehr (Marvin Burke); Dennis Van Roekel (Julie); and Karen Kibler (Tom Grimes); two sisters Dorothy Hanson and Leona Lancaster; 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

As an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years, Marie touched the lives of hundreds of students, in whom she inspired a love of learning. After her retirement in 1982, she moved to Phoenix and continued to help students as a volunteer at the Thomas J. Pappas School for Homeless Children. She also volunteered countless hours through her church, including a commitment to visiting “the elderly” well into her nineties.

Her family and friends will remember her deep faith, her unconditional love for family and friends, her indomitable spirit, her sense of humor, her pride in her children, and her unmatched sewing and baking skills.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Maryland Ave., Phoenix 85015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church https://sov.us/online-giving/ or to a charity of choice. Visit http://www.hansenmortuary.com for condolences.