was born on August 21, 1948 in Luverne, Minnesota and was called to enter eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 29th, 2014. Donald William Jansen will be reunited with his parents William John Jansen and Florence Catherine Jansen who preceded him in death in 1982 and 1999 respectfully. Donald Jansen is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Jansen. Donald is also survived by his children Christopher (Annie Jansen), Morgan (Patty Gomez), and Madison Jansen, along with his grandchildren Darrin and William Jansen. Lastly, Donald is survived by his only sister, Mary Arnold, and numerous loving family members spanning across the United States. Donald left Minnesota with his parents and arrived in Phoenix, Arizona in 1951. He attended St. Agnes Catholic School and Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. Donald graduated with a political science degree from Arizona State University in 1970 later serving in the United States Army as a Lieutenant. After his military service, Donald was accepted into Gonzaga Law School and graduated in 1975. Donald began an illustrious career with the State of Arizona spanning almost 40 years. Donald began his journey in 1976 through 1983 as an Assistant Rules Attorney. In 1984 he became the Legal Counsel to the Majority Leader leaving that post in 1986. From 1987 through 1992 he held the title of Executive Director of Legislative Council. In 1993 he landed the position of Policy Advisor & Special Counsel to the Majority, which ended in 1996. From 1997 through 2004 Donald was tapped to be the Counsel to the Majority, General Counsel, and Counsel to the Speaker of the House. Donald retired in 2005 after thirty years of incredible and dedicated service to the prosperity of the State of Arizona. Donald was loved by so many and is referred to as one of the most respected Arizona Constitutional Attorneys. He was asked to come back in 2005 with the title of Special Counsel to the Majority. From 2009 through 2014 Donald ended his career where he started as the Rules Attorney. Donald’s vast knowledge of the United States Constitution and the Arizona State Constitution was second to none. Donald’s dedication to his family and to this great State will be truly missed. Yet, his presence will be felt at his former Phoenix residence with his family and in the halls of the Arizona State Representatives. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm with a Scripture Service at 7pm, Thursday, April 3, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, Friday, April 4, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, Phoenix.
Aaron Lee
Our deepest condolences. The Jansen Family is in our prayers.
Love, Aaron, Angela and Brandon
Sharon Kwasnica
My deepest sympathies in your loss. I know these times aren’t easy but may the love of family and friends bring you some joy. You will all be in my prayers and thoughts.
God Be With You,
Sharon and Zyg Kwasnica
Janice Whitcomb-Bowen
We will miss Don so much.. He was not only a great Husband,,Father,& Grandfather He was a wonderful person always there to help in any capacity..My family will always be ready to help you whenever needed. We love all of you very much Janice, Ted, Jolene & Mike.
Greg Jernigan
If there is a Legislative Lawyer Hall of Fame in Heaven, Don Jansen is the newest inductee. His brilliant legal mind, calm demeanor and unfailing sense of humor will be missed enormously. God Speed to the Jansen Family, Greg Jernigan.
Sandy Lilley
My sincere vsympathy to the Jansen family. My thoughts and prayers are with you! I am so sorry for your loss!
I feel so honored to have known Don in my years of working at the State Legislature. He was a wonderful man!
Sandy Lilley
Edythe Bowers
Loving thoughts and prayers to you, Jackie, and your entire family.
It was always nice sitting and chatting with you and Don at various events over the years. May God strengthen you during this difficult time. Love, Edythe and Chet
Karla Phillips
Don will be sorely missed. Please accept both my condolences and gratefulness for sharing your husband and father with us over the years.
Jamie and Eric Bailey
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the Jansens. We love you and we’re so very sorry for your loss. We hope that God’s love remains in your hearts and fills you with peace at this difficult time. With loving prayers…
Rosie Mendoza
My condolences to the Jansen family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jodi Jerich
The Arizona House of Representatives will miss Don Jansen’s superlative knowledge of the law. I will miss my friend. Working with Don made me a better lawyer, and a better person.
Ken Bennett
I always admired and appreciated the professionalism and calming presence Don brought to an often contentious process. Even though he served in the House and I in the Senate, I valued his opinion greatly because I could tell others I respected respected him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. You, and we, will miss him here, but the reunion will be worth it.
Carol (Chapman) Johnston
I’m so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. We always enjoyed his company in the “basement” of the House Majority Research Department when I was there, and I know he’ll be missed by so many. Prayers & Hugs…
Pam Lanese
Love and prayers my dear friend. May God welcome Don and grant you all comfort. and peace.
Norma Chastain
Don was an incredible man. His love for the legislative process was one that is not easily matched. He will be missed for years to come. To Don’s family, may your memories be a special comfort to you during this time.
Michael Bradley
Don was truly one of the best individuals I have ever met in my life. He will be truly missed, but I have no doubts that he is waiting in Paradise to be joined later by those who love him. Thank you Don for being such an incredibly good person.
Pamela Upton
Love to My Brother-in-Law who is now in Heaven. My Prayers and thoughts will be with you. My God Bless You Don!