Stephen Lee Janzen
Born: February 16th, 1942
Died: September 2nd, 2022
Obituary
Stephen Lee Janzen was born in Wasco, California on February 16, 1942. He went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2022. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4:7 He was the oldest child of Darrell and Ruth Janzen who raised him in the First Baptist Church. Steve attended Wasco schools where he excelled in academics and track. After graduation, he went on to Westmont College, Bakersfield College, and graduated from USC with degrees in political science and pharmacy.
After college, Steve returned to Wasco to work alongside his father at Janzen Drug. Active in his community, Steve served on the city council and was elected mayor. In June of 1969, Steve married Linda Campbell to whom he was married for over 53 years. About 1980, they moved to Yucca Valley, then Lancaster, finally settling in Atascadero until 2017 when they moved back to the Valley and resided in Bakersfield.
Steve was an avid reader and spent most mornings reading scripture and spiritual literature. In the afternoon he read fiction, news items, and other secular material. He was a fan of USC football and spent many Saturdays watching college football.
Steve was preceded in death by both his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister, Donna Cooley (Mike), brother, Keith Janzen (Carol), nieces and nephews, Sara, Jeff (Heidi), and Chris Cooley, and Natalie Lehmann (Curtis), Jonathan (Ashlee), and Kara Ayler (Eric), along with 9 great nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the caregivers at The Pointe for caring for Steve and Linda for the last 5½ years.