Donald Odell Jants

A private family graveside service will be held for Donald Jants, 87, of Marshall, at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Donald Odell Jants passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Avera Tyler Hospital in Tyler, MN.

Donald was born on July 1, 1938, in Canby, MN, to Ruben and Lucille (West) Jants. He attended country school for two years and the remainder was at Canby High School. After high school, he worked for several different businesses at Stevens Point, WI, Milwaukee, WI, and Chicago, IL.

Don married Carolyn Janssen on October 4, 1958, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, MN. They moved to Mankato and then to Duluth where he worked for Holland Furnace Co. and Key City Heating Company. In 1960, they moved to Marshall where Don worked for Wright & Ricke Plumbing & Heating for 10 years. He was a partner in Central Plumbing & Heating for 10 years. In 1980, he built his own shop, Don’s Plumbing, Heating & Sewer Cleaning. He retired in 2006. Don was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

His passion was cars. He knew every make, model and enjoyed driving through the car lots and dealing with the salesmen. He loved his Honda 2000 and toured many states. During the winter, he loved snowmobiling. He received great joy from his family, the summers spent at the lake cabin in northern Minnesota and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, daughter Pamela (Ray) Alderman of Marshall; three sons Richard Jants (Amy Sanderson) of Bloomington, MN, Steven Jants (Shirley Kleine) of Florence, KY, and Jason Jants (Sue Drumond) of Marshall; five grandchildren Sierra Juhl, Matt Jants, Amanda Jants, Michael Jants, and Cody Jants; brother Terry Lundquist of Canby and sisters Peggy Gust of Luverne and Darlene Lundquist of New Brighton. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son and brothers Darrel Jants and Dennis Jants.