Ellen Jantzen, 94, of Grinnell, died on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Sheridan Cemetery northeast of Grinnell with Pastor Boyd Sparks officiating. A reception will follow the service at the Sheridan United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be designated to PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) or to the Sheridan United Methodist Church and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family online at www.smithfh.com.

Ellen Lucille Irwin was born the daughter of William and Stena (Anderson) Irwin on May 29, 1928 near Newton in rural Jasper County, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1947. Following her education, she worked at Parson Heavy Equipment Company.

Ellen was united in marriage to Clifford Harold Jantzen on March 4, 1949 in Newton. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Kenneth, Peggy, Pauline, and James. They made their home on the Jantzen farm northeast of Grinnell, which later became a Century Farm. Ellen drove a school bus for the Grinnell-Newburg School district for 33 years.

Ellen loved life on the farm. She was a big fan of the Iowa State Cyclones and the St. Louis Cardinals. Her enjoyments were listening to Big Band music, dancing, and watching sports on television.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Pauline Sharp of Grinnell; her grandchildren, Sara Kuhns, Dennis Jantzen, and Matthew Jantzen; and her daughter-in-law, Lori Jantzen. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford Jantzen in 1998; sons, Kenneth Jantzen in 2021 and James Jantzen in 2008; daughter, Peggy Jantzen in 2020; and grandson, John Jantzen in 2015.