Obituaries

Udo H. Jansen

Udo H. Jansen was born to the late Wilhelm and Gerda Jansen, April 9, 1927 in Little Rock, Ark. He passed away June 17, 2017. He grew up in North Little Rock where he participated in Boys Club and Legion baseball and represented Arkansas at Yankee Stadium where he met Babe Ruth and other major league players. He also played first base for the Arkansas Travelers. He graduated from North Little Rock Catholic High and was class valedictorian. While a student he delivered the Arkansas Gazette. Following service in the United States Marine Corp. he graduated from Little Rock Jr. College, University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas (Master's Degree), and University of Texas, Austin, where he earned a doctorate. His interests ranged from Shakespeare to sports. He and Martha Dean Staley, married August 9, 1952, and moved to Longview, Texas, where he taught senior English and was coordinator of curriculum. He served as a deacon for Longview, Texas Presbyterian Church and elder at Tucson, Ariz., St. Andrews on the Desert Presbyterian Church. He was a faculty member at Kilgore, Texas Junior College, Miami University (Ohio), University of Arizona, Tucson and University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he was appointed to design a new community college system and published as well. His volunteer work included Single Parent Scholarship Board (NWAC), establishing the first Habitat for Humanity Chapter in Arkansas, volunteering at the Benton County Women's Shelter Thrift Store, and church food bank at the Bentonville Presbyterian Church. He also was a blood donor. Survivors are his wife Martha and two daughters Robin Hersh and Melanie Block. Private family graveside services were held in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfunerlhome.com. The family conveys profound gratitude to all the staff at the VA Nursing Home and VA Hospital, non-professionals and professionals for their genuine love and kindness to Udo. Memorial to Benton County Habitat for Humanity or Northwest Arkansas Community College.

Published June 25, 2017

Upcoming Events