Ora Dean Jansen

Ora D. Jansen passed away peacefully on October 29th. He was born on May 30th, 1921 in WIthrow, Washington to Ida and Jacob Jansen. He moved to Chelan where he attended Chelan High School and met the love of his life, Eloise D. Jansen at a dance held in the Big Pavilion on Lake Chelan. They married June 6th, 1941 and have been side by side for the last 74 years. Ora is survived by his wife, Eloise Jansen of Wenatchee; son, Dennis D. Jansen (Rose) of Spokane; daughter, Judith D. (Miller) Jansen of Cushing, OK; son, Thomas D. Jansen and wife (Debbie) of Beaverton, OR; older sister, Bea Karr of Wenatchee and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ora went to work for the Great Northern Railroad in 1941. His job was Maintenance of Track until 1943, then he was Track Inspector Forman from 1943 to 1948. He worked lines between Headley, BC and Wenatchee. In 1948, he went to Pateros/Wenatchee/Morse Route until he retired in 1982. His services with the Great Northern/Burlington Northern were interrupted while he served in the United States Army in the Pacific from 1944 to 1946 where he built bridges and roads. Ora worked for the railroad for 41 years (1941-1982). He loved his job and the people he worked with. He retired in 1982 at the age of 61. Ora believed in and loved being involved in the Boy Scouts. He held many titles in the Scouts which spanned over 15 years (1966-1981). He was with the Troop Committee in 1966, then Chairman of the Committee from 1967 to 1971. He became Chairman of the Leadership Training Committee from 1971 to 1975; then the District Commission in 1981. He received the District, “Award for Merit.” In 1980, he received the “Silver Beaver” Award – the highest honor a council can bestow on its adult leaders. " Ora had a campground dedicated to him that he helped build from the ground up. It is called Camp Bonaparte (also known as Ora’s Overlook) in Tonasket, WA. A movie was made when they dedicated the camp to him for all his hard work. He was also very involved the Scout-A-Vista in Wenatchee. In 1989, Ora helped with construction of a new shower house at the Boy Scout camp near Mission Ridge Ora loved to be outside. He loved gardening. He grew the most amazing tomatoes and all vegetables. He was always sharing with friends and family. He made the best Blackcap jelly! There wasn’t anything Ora couldn’t do and he did for everyone. He was the best husband, father, father-in-law, brother and grandpa. He loved his family so very much and made each and every one of us feel so special. He was always there for ALL of us. He was a wonderful man; he never ceased to amaze us. Ora was such a loving, caring, gentle, hardworking, honest man. You are “One in a Million” – all that knew you would agree you simply were the best. We love you so very much! Forever in our hearts – “Treasured Memories.” Strong as Steel and one who never said “can’t,” – it wasn’t in his vocabulary. Nothing was too hard for him to undertake. His handshake was a good as gold. Please express your thought and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Ora Dean Jansen

May 30, 1921 - October 29, 2015