Obituary of Scott Janssen

Scott Janssen, 42 died Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Scott spent his youth in Scott City, Kansas, riding horses and helping on the family farm. He graduated from Scott Community High School, and was a member of the National Champion livestock judging team at Colby Community College before moving to Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. Horses were Scott's lifelong passion, a boyhood obsession he shared with his dad, and which evolved into a challenging and rewarding career. He never viewed the long hours he spent riding, training horses, and teaching lessons as "work," because he truly loved what he did. Together with his wife, they built Janssen Training Stables, a well-loved landmark in the KC horse community, a gathering place for riders of all ages, and known for its colorful menagerie. Through the horses he touched many lives. He gave riding lessons to young and old and was frequently featured in his riding student's essays as a "Kindest Kansas Citian". He influenced many youngsters in 4-H and the Kansas Quarter Horse Association who had the chance to ride with him, and many others who worked for him at the stables. The business will continue and Scott's spirit will no doubt be kept alive as Lesley shares their passion with new friends as well as those that have been with them through the years. Scott will be remembered for his strength, tremendous patience, unmatched work ethic, and for his wardrobe of Hawaiian shirts, mismatched socks and converse tennis shoes. The toughness and optimism which characterized his battle with melanoma were an inspiration to all those who knew him. Scott leaves behind a dedicated wife, Lesley Karnes Janssen, whom he married November 15, 1994. He is also survived by his parents Alfred and Sally, grandmothers Rosemary and Juanita, a brother, sister and four loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers. He will be greatly missed by family and friends and within the horse community in Kansas City and beyond. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2009 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Eudora Chapel in Eudora, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas. A second funeral services and burial will be at the United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 with the Rev. Dennis Carter presiding. Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas. The family suggests memorial contribtions to the Kansas Quarter Horse Association Scholarship Fund, Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri or to the Kansas University Hospital Cancer Center and may be sent in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home. For more details about burial arrangements, visit http://www.aqhascott.com.