Frederick J. "Jess" Janus

Frederick “Jess” Janus passed peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by family, on May 29th, 2024. He married the love of his life, Barbara, on January 23rd, 1960. Jess is survived by his children, Kim and Phillip (Laura), and grandchildren, Jared, Adam, Tyler (Kim) and Travis. There was no greater pride and joy for him than his family.

Jess joined the Air Force in 1957. After basic training in Texas, he was based at Sculthorpe Air Force Base in the county of Norfolk in England. He trained as a Crash and Rescue Firefighter and served there for 4 years. He was then stationed in Mt. Clemens, Michigan at Selfridge Air Force Base for 2 years. His last duty was at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. During Jess’ tour in Sculthorpe, on a leave, he met Barbara at a local Norwich Pub. From that meeting their story was written. After his tour, Jess worked for John Oster as a Machine Operator from 1964 to 1987. When John Oster shut it’s plant down in 1987, he worked for Critical Care until he retired at the age of 62. It was a much-deserved retirement; we have never met a harder-working man. He was then able to enjoy a couple of rounds of golf each week, traveling with Barbara to various destinations, spending more time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Jess is preceded in death by his first-born grandchild, Jared. Our family is so excited for that reunion. Other family and friends, that preceded Jess in death, are also waiting with open arms in Heaven.

The impact and legacy that Jess has left us with, has been a gift and is so appreciated. He laid the strong foundation that is now our family and instilled upon us the importance of that. He will be greatly missed and we will remember him every second of every day.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue, Hartland. Family and friends are welcome to visit directly at the funeral home from 2:00 pm until the time of the service.