Hilka Lena Decker Janssen,
born on 13 Apr 1874 in Danforth (Iroquois), IL, was the youngest daughter of George Decker and Anna Classen Heyen. She went by
Lena. She died in Watseka (Iroquois), IL on 12 Feb 1942. She married George
Aden Janssen on 15 Jan 1900 at the home of her sister, Mary Decker Heise. An
article describing the wedding appeared in the Gilman (IL) Star on 17
Jan 1900.
"Another noon wedding
took place in Gilman Monday, the contracting parties this time being Miss Lena
Decker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Decker, and George A. Janssen, of
Danforth. The wedding was private, only Rev. George Barth and wife and the
members of the Decker and Janssen families being present.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. George Barth of the
United Evangelical Church. Robert Decker, brother of the bride, and Miss
Cassie Janssen, sister of the groom, acted as groomsman and bridesmaid. The
guests partook of a wedding dinner after the marriage. The groom is the son of
M.J. Janssen (Melgert) of Danforth. He is to be congratulated on winning a
bride who will be an honor to any man. The young couple will live on one of George Decker's farms, northeast of Danforth. Robert Decker will work the farm with the groom,
and will make his home with them."
Lena's obituary appeared in an unknown Iroquois County
newspaper in Feb 1942.
"Mrs. Lena Janssen, 67,
of Danforth, died Thursday (12 Feb 1942) in the Iroquois hospital of diabetes
and arthrities after an illness of two years.
She was married January 15, 1900, to George Janssen, who
died in 1932. Surviving are the following children: Dorothy at home, Mrs.
Thelma Koetz, Mrs. Laura Schultz, sons, Alfred at home, Clarence and Roy of
Danforth, Earl of Chicago; brother, George Decker, Gilman, and sister, Mrs.
Rena Newman, Kankakee.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday from the Danforth
Evangelical church with the Rev. C. F. Hofermann officiating. Burial was in the
Danforth cemetery."