Jan Fekkes Jr.

 With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Jan Fekkes Jr. on Jan. 15, 2025, following a short illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ans. Jan was born Dec. 19, 1929, in Bussum and raised in occupied Rotterdam, The Netherlands during WWII, as the second of nine children. 

 Jan met his future wife Ans through the DOS track club in Rotterdam. He trained for middle distance events and made the Dutch National team, which was scheduled to go the 1956 Olympics in Australia. However, with the Soviet Union invading Hungary, the team boycotted. During his running career he competed in many events throughout Europe and also completed the Eleven City Tour (Elfstedentocht) the biggest ice-skating tour in the world, 120 miles on natural ice.

 Jan and Ans emigrated to the USA in 1957, where they worked in the family landscape business in Indianapolis, IN. In 1963, they moved to Canoga Park, CA, before they permanently settled in Thousand Oaks a few years later. They would stay in Thousand Oaks for the next 54 years, raising their six children. Jan built up a thriving landscape business, known for it’s quality workmanship and Dutch honesty and efficiency. In 1987, he was awarded the “Sweepstake Award” by the Ventura County chapter of the California Landscape Contractor’s Association, judged best in all categories.

 Jan’s passion for running never wavered. He continued to run throughout his life, often training before and after his work day. In his 50’s he ran a sub 3 hour marathon, and he continued to run well into his 70’s. He made many life long friends in the Conejo Track Club in Thousand Oaks, sharing many track and social events including their legendary poker games, which have gone on for decades!

 Jan had an adventurous spirit and loved camping, hiking and mountaineering. He and Ans took the family on many epic trips, packing up their six kids in the camper truck to explore National Parks and other recreation areas in the West. He enjoyed sleeping under the stars or tenting, even at the age of 90 (no glamping for Pops!). On the last day of camping trips he would make everyone his famous Dutch pancakes. He was instrumental in introducing mountaineering and climbing to his children and their friends. 

 We are so grateful to Coby Hitsman and Jane & John Mutolo who have been friends of Jan & Ans for over 50 years. Their love and support over the years will never be forgotten.

 Jan is survived by his sister Thea, brother Harry, and children Jan (Lori) Fekkes III, Harry (Diana) Fekkes, Marc (Joy) Fekkes, Christine (Mike) Mesko, Melissa (Jim) Fekkes, Eric (Jeanette) Fekkes. Jan was Opa to thirteen beloved grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. 

 We will always carry his memory in our hearts.