With no regrets, brothers-in-law Dave Jansma and Dean Peters move on
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (December 22, 2018) – For nearly 30 years, business was bustling at Jansma’s Farm Stand on Ridge Road. Local customers would stop by regularly for produce, flowers, and small groceries, as well as friendly service.
But as regular customers moved out of Lansing, and bigger stores moved in, fewer and fewer people visited Jansma’s. The convenience of picking up flowers and produce while you were already shopping for household items at a large chain took a toll on the small shop.
Dave Jansma recognized this, and he began wondering what his next step would be. Almost a year ago he began exploring other options. Because job offers and plans and changes can be unpredictable, he was careful not to say much about the search. But this summer he let staff know that the small farm stand would likely close.
Cashier Tim Freeberg has been the face of Jansma’s for the past 10 years—Dean Peters gave him the job after injuries from a previous job made it difficult for Freeberg to find work. The family also gave him a good deal on renting the house behind the store, so for some time Freeberg was in denial about the farm stand closing. Freeberg will miss the convenience of living right next door to his job, but he says he’s been out of work before, and he’ll find work again.
The decision has been difficult for the brothers-in-law. They enjoyed working together and serving the community by continuing the legacy of the Van Til’s Farm Stand that is part of Lansing’s early history. And while many current and former Lansing residents express nostalgia for Jansma’s Farm Stand and bemoan changing times, Jansma chooses to remain positive. “God has another plan for us,” he said. “It’s time to move on.”
“Thanks for all the years you’ve given us support,” he says to Lansing shoppers. “But it’s time to move on.”
Sorry to see Jansma’s Farm Stand go. Good luck to all!
I loved the stand. It gave a “country feel” to the small town!
I especially like Tim because he knew a lot about the fruits and vegetables and was good at suggesting cooking options and recipes. God bless all of you. Thank you for the past 30 years!
Good luck to my Number #1 Cubs fan. Dean Peters, God has blessed you and will continue.
Your Sox fan Buddy,
Ray Paramo
I will miss Jansma’s. Their flowers were always beautiful and hardy. They also had quality fruit and vegetables and friendly service. Good luck to your family!
I’m so sorry to see Jansma’s go, I’ve loved shopping there, and it has been a community fixture since I returned to NW IN in 1972.
Many memories here. It was Van Til’s when we moved into our first house on Chicago Ave near St. Ann. I shopped there for 32 years, always bought my tomato plants and flowers here, as well as fresh produce, milk and the Vroortman cookies. Sorry to see it go.