Obituary of J. Dean Jansma

J. Dean Jansma of State College, Professor Emeritus and retired Associate Dean of International Programs of the College of Agriculture of the Pennsylvania State University died at Foxdale Village, State College, on March 24, 2015 from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Dean was born in Sibley, Iowa, February 5, 1933 to the late Frank and Dena (Kolkman) Jansma. Dean was one of ten children and the last member of his generation. Dean graduated from Sibley High School, Sibley, Iowa in 1951. He graduated from Iowa State University with a BS degree in Agricultural Business and Rural Administration in 1955 and an MS degree in 1957. He received his PhD from the Oklahoma State University in 1964. Following his service in the US Army, Dean was employed by the C. I. A. and then the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, D. C. as an agricultural analyst. He completed his obligation to USDA by working for the organization for two years at Penn State and in 1965 became a member of the Penn State University faculty. Dean was a licensed amateur radio operator and a member of the Nittany Amateur Radio Club. His call signWB3AME will now be a silent key. At Foxdale Village, Dean was a former member of the Development Committee and a founding member of the Foxdale Model Railroad. He was a long time former member of White Deer Hunting Club. In 1957, he married Vonna Lee McMillan in Colorado Springs, CO. She died in 1992. Surviving Dean are his children Patricia L. Jansma of Tucson AZ., Kevin L. Jansma (Cathleen) of Murrysville, and Keith L. Jansma of Cupertino, CA, and his grandsons Zachary D. Jansma and Joseph C. Jansma both of Murrysville. On February 11, 1994, he married Emilie F. Westgard who survives at Foxdale Village. He was lovingly known as "PopPop Deano" to Emilie's children and grandchildren. Entombment will be at Centre County Memorial Park at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Givers of Care Fund at Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Avenue, State College, PA. 16801. The family would especially like to thank the nursing, therapy, and care staff at Darlington House and Anthony House at Foxdale Village for the loving care provided to Dean during his stay in the health units. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.