Josephine Catherine (Ast) Jansen

Josephine Catherine Ast Jansen, 101, died Friday, November 4, 2016. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, November 8, 2016; Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 9, 2016, both at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Born on the family farm 3 3/4 miles west of Andale, KS on December 29, 1914. Moved with her family in 1937 to her grandfather, Frederick Asts farm in St. Joe, Ost, KS. Frederick Ast was one of the original 13 founding families of the St. Joe community and the town is named for him, although misspelled as Ost. Preceded in death by her husband, Elmer C. Jansen; parents, Joseph B. and Catherine M. Ast; daughter, Rhonda; sister, Agnes Erker; brothers, Joseph, Richard, Vincent, Clemons, Aloysius, Martin, Julius, and Francis Ast. Survived by her daughters, Valeda “Val” Jansen, JoEllyn “Jody” M. Jansen; son, Justin E. (Janice) Jansen; brother, Aemil Ast; grandchildren, Cathy Doubrava, James Jansen, Staci Russell; great-grandchildren, Jacob Shaw, Lakin Russell, Landon Russell, Tessa Hann, Cara Shaw, Landry and Price Jansen. In the pre-World War II buildup, Josephine worked in the sheet metal area at Boeing. She saved sugar ration coupons for a year in order to have enough for a wedding cake. She married Elmer C. Jansen on October 27, 1943. Josephine was a housewife and mother, but also a true farm wife who milked cows and worked in the fields, driving tractors and farm trucks to help her husband. She loved busy hands and for many years upholstered furniture for people. Later, she hand-quilted 262 quilts for friends and family members and crocheted beautiful altar cloth laces for the church. She enjoyed yard work and continued to mow her own lawn until age 94. Her proudest moments were holidays with her family and grandchildren. Ordinarily a quiet person, she delighted in laughing and teasing her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2007 N. Arkansas Ave., Wichita, KS 67203. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.