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Jansen, Donald William
Donald William Jansen was born on August 21, 1948 in Luverne Minnesota and was called to enter eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 29th, 2014. Donald William Jansen will be reunited with his parents William John Jansen and Florence Catherine Jansen who preceded him in death in 1982 and 1999 respectfully. Donald Jansen is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Jansen. Donald is also survived by his children Christopher (Annie Jansen), Morgan (Patty Gomez), and Madison Jansen, along with his grandchildren Darrin and William Jansen. Lastly, Donald is survived by his only sister, Mary Arnold, and numerous loving family members spanning across the United States. Donald left Minnesota with his parents and arrived in Phoenix, Arizona in 1951. He attended St. Agnes Catholic School and Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. Donald graduated with a political science degree from Arizona State University in 1970 later serving in the United States Army as a Lieutenant. After his military service, Donald was accepted into Gonzaga Law School and graduated in 1975. Donald began an illustrious career with the State of Arizona spanning almost 40 years. Donald began his journey in 1976 through 1983 as an Assistant Rules Attorney. In 1984 he became the Legal Counsel to the Majority Leader leaving that post in 1986. From 1987 through 1992 he held the title of Executive Director of Legislative Council. In 1993 he landed the position of Policy Advisor & Special Counsel to the Majority, which ended in 1996. From 1997 through 2004 Donald was tapped to be the Counsel to the Majority, General Counsel, and Counsel to the Speaker of the House. Donald retired in 2005 after thirty years of incredible and dedicated service to the prosperity of the State of Arizona. Donald was loved by so many and is referred to as one of the most respected Arizona Constitutional Attorneys. He was asked to come back in 2005 with the title of Special Counsel to the Majority. From 2009 through 2014 Donald ended his career where he started as the Rules Attorney. Donald's vast knowledge of the United States Constitution and the Arizona State Constitution was second to none. Donald's dedication to his family and to this great State will be truly missed. Yet, his presence will be felt at
his former Phoenix residence with his family and in the halls of the Arizona State Representatives. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm with a Scripture Service at 7pm, Thursday, April 3, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, Friday, April 4, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, Phoenix.
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4 Entries
Dear Jackie and family, You all have been in my thoughts and prayers for days. I always remember Don as such a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man of great character. I pray that your hearts can soon be filled with good memories of joyful times together as you celebrate and remember his amazing life. Those memories will always be with you. May God's love carry you and bless you during this time. My deepest condolences. Keeping you in my prayers, Kathy Moore (Norm's wife)
April 4, 2014
I remember Don as a warm, soft-spoken, funny man.
Don was patient and humble; and even though his intellect and experience raised him above many others, Don wasn't having any of that.
Several times in the 30 years I knew him, I remember wishing I possessed judgment and understanding equal to what I saw in my friend Don.
Jack Lavelle
April 3, 2014
Over 30+ legislative sessions I have had the great fortune to be the beneficiary of Don's knowledge---and a little of his friendly wrath, which was in the grand spirit of the legislative process. I have always had great admiration for him as a person and the highest regard for him as a statutory & constitutional scholar. Then, on several occasions, I got a chance to spend some time with him away from the "sausage factory", and learned that he was truly a kind, gentle soul. For reasons associated with my own journey, I have been touched more than usual by the loss of Don, both as a key member of the House legal team as well as to his family & friends. Very simply, I will miss him. He will always be in the fondest of memories of those who knew him in his work, as well as his friends. I can only urge that his family keep those memories treasured closely and he will live forever in your hearts.
Jack Lunsford
April 3, 2014
Dear Jackie, We are so sorry to hear about Don. We've been thinking of you and Don and your family the past few weeks. Our deepest condolences for your loss. We will always remember Don fondly.
Kitty & Dave Decker
April 3, 2014
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6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
Apr
3
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Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
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