Walter Franz Jansen

Walter Franz Jansen ~ September 26, 1928 – December 8, 2025

Walter Franz Jansen peacefully passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at his home surrounded by his three daughters.

Born in Rosenberg, Germany, on September 26, 1928, Walter was the beloved son of the late Franz and Martha (Wiescholek) Jonczyk. His early years were shaped by the challenges of World War II. Encouraged by his best friend Ludwig Putz, who had immigrated to the United States in 1953, Walter followed suit in 1955. Sponsored by a Lutheran pastor, as was customary at the time, Walter began his new life in America.

Upon arriving, he lived in a cooperative housing community with other German immigrants in Detroit, where he worked to learn English and embraced new experiences like attending double feature movies on the weekends. Walter swiftly secured employment as a wood model maker at General Motors Fisher Body Division, dedicating 37 years to the company before retiring in 1992.

Walter's involvement in the Detroit German community played a pivotal role in meeting the love of his life, Waldtraut Mantei. They married on March 16, 1957, and spent 46 wonderful years together, raising three daughters until Waldtraut's passing in 2003.

Family was the cornerstone of Walter's life. He took immense pride in his daughters' academic achievements, ensuring all three completed college. He was passionately involved in their sporting and scholastic activities, often attending their games and taking them skiing at Mount Grampian in Oxford to instill his love for skiing and winter sports.

Walter was an avid golfer and actively contributed to Sport Club 1924 soccer, embracing numerous roles in support of the German community over several decades, cultivating many lifelong friendships.

He is survived by his daughters Karin (Joseph) Wilden, Ingrid Jansen, and Christine (James) Schmidt; grandchildren Joseph (Jena) Wilden, Brian Wilden, Kyle Wilden(Julie Kaczor), Cody James(Mackinsey Allen), Kaitlyn James (Cory Widau), Hannah Schmidt, and Emma Schmidt; and great-grandchildren Isabella Wilden, Joseph Wilden, Brianna Wilden, and Brooklyn Wilden. Walter is also remembered fondly by his two sisters, his brother-in-law in Germany, and many nephews and nieces.

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, followed by a private burial.

Walter's legacy is one of hard work, dedication to family, and enduring connection to his heritage and community.

Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.