Janarius 'Jan' Tschirgi
Janarius “Jan” Tschirgi, 83, of Edgewood, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born Aug. 2, 1939, in Elkport, to Albert Joseph and Pearl Anna (Peuker) Tschirgi. Jan graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School.
Jan had a talent for fixing cars and anything with an engine. He owned his own cycle shop and worked for Dittmer Motors, Brown’s and eventually owned his own automotive repair shop, Jan’s Auto. He farmed near Mederville and kept the family busy raising Herefords, sheep, swine and sometimes dairy calves, along with managing crops each year. In his later years, he also worked for Postville Ford, JM Jones and Welterlen Motors. Even in retirement, he continued to work, as a janitor for St. Mark’s Catholic Church and Community Savings Bank in Edgewood and driving school bus for several districts.
He enjoyed listening to Willie’s Roadhouse on his satellite radio, going to the Clayton County Fair every year, church pancake breakfasts all over the county, good meals and watching the family grow.
He was married to Eileen Eilers and to this union four children were born. They later divorced. Jan is survived by his children, Michael (Audrey) Tschirgi of Monona, Lissa Tschirgi of Clear Lake, Mark (Julie) Tschirgi of Elkader and Matt (Jeremy Halverson) Tschirgi of Florida; grandchildren, James (Kelly) Tschirgi of Cedar Rapids, Nick (Tasha) Henkes of Monona, Cody (Morgan) Henkes of Monona, Jared Cordes of Clear Lake, Macy Mommer of Clear Lake, Amelia and Wyatt Moses of Black River Falls, Wis., Samantha (Devon) Baumgartner of Elkader and Ben (Isabel) Tschirgi of Ankeny; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alois (died in infancy), Verdeen, Karl and Clair.
Visitation was Dec. 15 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader. Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Rev. John Haugen as celebrant. There was a private family interment.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.
Our Father’s Love
You provided for our family every day and night.
You worked endless hours, never resting, nor giving up the fight.
To put food on the table and clothes on our backs.
You taught us valuable lessons and kept us on track.
For love was shown in different ways with strong faith in our Lord.
The angels are now singing and playing their harps with new chords.
As the song they’ll be playing is special, as it is your’s.
You’re walking with Jesus as he gives you the tour.
Out of the darkness into the light while holding his hand.
Into God’s mighty Holy Kingdom of Heaven, The Promised Land.
Prayers, faith, and love that you gave us, we’re so proud of you dad.
Everlasting life is the reward, through Jesus, with love, peace, and grace, so we can’t be too sad.
Hallelujah!
