Raymond E. Janosky

Ray Janosky, died Friday, May 25, 2018 at age 86. He was born January 21, 1932 to Harry and Anna (Schemenkowski) Janosky in Stickney, IL.

He enlisted in the US Army at age 17 and was proud to be a member of the 82nd Airborne. He earned both jump and glider wings and was a participant in the atomic bomb testing at Yucca Flats, NV. He rarely spoke of his time in the service, but was a lifetime member of the National Association of Atomic & Nuclear Veterans, interviewed as a Hometown Hero, and proudly included in an Old Glory Honor flight to Washington, DC.

After being honorably discharged, he returned to Stickney and owned and operated the bar, Twilight Inn, where he met Kathleen “Rosie” (Gant) Janosky, who would become his wife of 59 years. Together they raised two children in Downers Grove, IL.

Ray served as a steel inspector at Ceco Steel for 23 years, during which time he also graduated from Devry University.

He then served 25 years as a building engineer and pool specialist for Chicago Metro YMCA, at Indian Boundary YMCA. Active beyond work, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Moose, the Catholic Church, a willing (and frequent) blood donor, served on the board for the Downers Grove Swim & Racket Club, raised rabbits, was a member of the Cook/DuPage Beekeepers Association, organized many fishing charters on Lake Michigan, and volunteered as a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Upon “retirement” Ray and Kathy drove throughout the US looking for their ideal retirement location. Ray’s childhood memories of working on the family farm in Kewaunee won out over the state of Alaska, and they bought a farm in Kewaunee, WI where he did whatever he wanted. He hunted, fished, and served as a good steward of the land. He continued to be an active community member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kewaunee County Farm Bureau, and Kewaunee American Legion Post 0029.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by two sisters; his wife; his son Raymond Edward, II (Kathleen) and grandchildren Marielle, Rachel, and Raymond Edward, III; and his daughter Katrina (Michael) Hrivnak and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Emma and Morgan.

Friends may visit at Holy Rosary Church, 521 Juneau St. Kewaunee, on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Msgr. James Dillenburg. Veterans Honors will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Kewaunee American Legion Post 0029 may be made in Ray’s name.

Thank you to the Kewaunee County Veteran Services Office, Jane Babcock, and former county officer Joe Aulik; the staff the Kewaunee Atrium for their loving care of Ray and support of Kathy; Deacon Chuck and Eileen Agnew; and Unity Hospice.