Lloyd Jantzen

LLOYD JANTZEN, 74 of North Platte, formerly of Madrid, passed away March 25, 2019, at his home.

Lloyd was born August 7, 1944, in Ogallala to Frank and Alice (Kroeker) Jantzen. He graduated from Central Christian School in Hutchinson, Kansas, also attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas.

Lloyd married Sharon Janzen on November 28, 1964, at Shafter, California. The couple made their home in California for several years, where Lloyd went into sales. Lloyd and Sharon were blessed with three children, Jerred, Cindy, and Dave. In 1973, Lloyd came back to Perkins County to farm with his dad. Lloyd pioneered the use of pivot irrigation on the Jantzen farm and was blessed with great success throughout his farming and equipment business career. In 2008, Lloyd and Sharon built a home south of North Platte, where Lloyd, somewhat amusingly, waged an unceasing war against the cedar trees and yuka plants that muddled the gorgeous views.

Lloyd certainly had a mind for business, but he had a heart for his family and for the Lord. One of his great enjoyments in life was riding motorcycles, which was simply a means to draw his family together, as was the function of just about everything he was serious about. Lloyd's most cherished moments in life were spent with his family; whether it was time together on one of his famous weeks-long motorcycle trips, camping, flying his airplane or eating a piece of his dessert of preference, pie. Lloyd had an uncanny knowledge of the greatest places to eat no matter where you happened to be, even in the most obscure parts of the country.

Lloyd was a man of deep faith and reliance that centered upon Jesus Christ. The material blessings and good things that he was surrounded with in life didn't seem to cloud his focus and understanding of what mattered, especially toward the end of his life. It was the vibrant voices of his grandchildren, it was the love and company of his wife and kids, it was cherished memories of the time spent with his dad on the farm, it was the thought of being in the presence of his Savior; and so it was with a hopeful and trusting heart that Lloyd went home to be with the Lord.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his mother, Alice.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon of North Platte; three children, Jerred (Sharon) Jantzen of Arroyo Grande, CA, Cindy (Jarret) Malmkar of Grant, Dave (Val) Jantzen of Madrid; 14 grandchildren, Jordan, Michael, and Leah Jantzen; Emily, Alexander (Bethany), Dylan (Kristen), Natalia, and Joseph Malmkar, Monica Akumu; Madison, Kahle, Isaac, Jacob, and Nikolas Jantzen; one great-granddaughter, Brooke; his father, Frank Jantzen of Grant; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Lloyd's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grant Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Russ Gaar officiating. Interment of Cremains will be in the Madrid Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.