Jan Andries Rabe Nel Jr.

Jan (Jannie) Andries Rabe Nel passed away at his family home after a brief struggle with cancer at age 47.

His place of death was Firth, Idaho on October 5, 2015.

His parents are Jan Andries Rabe Nel (deceased); and Johanna Magadalena Nel, ne’ Fourie.

He was preceded in death by his Father Jan Andries Rabe Nel, on August 10, 2015.

He was loved deeply by his siblings Bernadine (Gary) Cook, Belinda (J. Danny) Govatos and his mother, Hannie.

He was born in Ntumeni, Zululand, South Africa on February 4, 1968.

He spent his childhood in South Africa.

He immigrated to Idaho Falls in 1985 and received his citizenship in the United States of America, a country he loved dearly.

He graduated from Skyline High School in 1985, and subsequently attended Ricks College.

He filled an LDS mission in the Dearborn, Michigan Mission.

Few people who met Jannie failed to be charmed and all recognized an instant friend.

Jannie enjoyed a full life filled with a host of friends.

He loved water-skiing, snowmobiling, diving and loved riding his Harley.

He was close and loving with his family and his greatest joys were reunions, riding with his Father, and Sturgis.

He was adventurous, compassionate, and hardworking.

He lived in Salt Lake City, and Kona Hawaii, was a graphic artist and created in a variety of mediums.

He also created jewelry from found, unique objects, and was a skilled carver and artisan.

He engaged in a variety of businesses, including Auto dealership, Scuba Instructor, and most recently was an Independent Owner and Operator of a towing business, and auto transport business.

He is survived by his children, Steffan Jannie Nel (Kasee Lynn), Jared Jan Andries Rabe Nel (Katie), Jentrie Julie Nel, Lauren Mckell Ne, and Brayden Jannie Andries Rabe, Jr.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at the Firth Ward Chapel (744 N 600 E). The family will receive friends Friday morning from 9:00 till 10:40 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be in the Firth Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

A Memorial Fund has been established at GoFundMe.com.

https://www.gofundme.com/zh3m82ns.

Additional Memorial contributions may be sent to 591 East, 750 North, Firth, Idaho 83236.

Jannie’s favorite saying was, “No one is sent by accident to anyone.”

The family would like to thank Alliance Home and Hospice for their love, care, and guidance in the last weeks of Jannies life.

You have been our Angels.