Werner Janssen

Werner Janssen, Jr. 1924-2012 Werner Janssen, Jr., 88, a longtime resident of Great Barrington, died peacefully in his sleep on June 24, 2012, at his home, after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Born in Plandome, Long Island, in 1924, he was the son of acclaimed conductor and composer Werner Janssen, Sr., and Elsa Schmidt of the Indianapolis brewery family. He was the grandson of August Janssen, founder of the famed Hofbrauhaus in New York City. Throughout his life Werner struggled between two worlds: his love for music and his chosen career in the law. A Tanglewood fellow in the historic 1942 season, Werner had his sights set on becoming a symphony clarinetist. World War II intervened, and after service in Europe he chose a career in law. Mr. Janssen was a consummate academic as well as a lover of classical music. He enjoyed traveling and felt at home in many cultures. He was a lawyer specializing in United States and international trade marks and spoke multiple languages. He retired in 2004 as senior partner from the Manhattan law firm of von Maltitz, Derenberg, Kunin, Janssen and Giordano. His schooling included Culver Military Academy, the Sorbonne, Columbia College, Yale Law School and New York University. Werner Janssen is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Johanna Wagner; his son the Rev. David S. Janssen; his daughter Barbara B. Janssen; his sister Jennifer Janssen; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Remembrance of Life service, with reception to follow, will be held on Sunday, July 22nd, at 2 p.m. at the Janssen residence at 43 Hurlburt Road in Great Barrington. All friends of the family are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Close Encounters with Music, P.O. Box 34, Great Barrington, MA 01230