Emil Janik, Jr.

Emil Janik Jr., “E.J.”, age 81, peacefully passed away on December 10, 2021, at his home in Iron River, MI. Emil was born on May 18th, 1940, in Westmont, IL, the son of Valasta and Emil Janik Sr. He attended Downers Grove North High School and earned an Associate Degree in Management from Benedictine University. During his childhood and early adult years Emil enjoyed working at his mother‘s neighborhood store, Joch’s Meat Market, in Downers Grove, IL. After high school he was employed by NICOR Gas for 30 years, starting as a meter reader and retiring as a NICOR Gas Department Manager. Emil loved the outdoors and throughout his youth traveled with his father and brother, Robert Janik, exploring Quetico Provincial Park in Canada, Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Upon retirement Emil exchanged his suit for flannel shirts, jeans, and hiking boots, and fulfilled his lifelong dream of living in the Northwoods by relocating full-time to the family’s home on Brule Lake in Iron River, MI. For the past twenty-five years, he thoroughly loved being part of the Iron River community. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring, either solitary or with his family and very good friends. Emil appreciated hard work, and nothing made him happier than completing a day’s chore list that included: house maintenance, cutting-splitting-stacking wood, working on the roof or helping a neighbor. He valued working up a sweat with the sun on his back and when complete, enjoyed a cold beer or two; a big bonus if good company was involved. E.J. was a competitor and he excelled in high school football, baseball, and basketball. As the starting quarterback for Downers Grove North High School, he was affectionately known as “Radar Arm Janik.” He coached youth football for many years and loved calling plays as the offensive coordinator. Throughout his life he remained an avid Chicago Bears fan “through the Good, Bad and Ugly.” For those who understand, there was an “Iron-Mike” quality in E.J. In his later years, Emil cherished golfing at Young’s Golf Course. He loved his home track and looked forward to playing golf with his weekly partner and participating in group golf events with family and friends. If you ever needed someone to make a 12’ downhill double-breaker putt for the win, E.J. was your guy. Emil Janik Jr. is survived by Sherry Rady Kronstedt and their three children: Dave (Jennifer) Janik, Amy (Richard) Hall, and Daniel (Patti) Janik; grandchildren; Courtney Janik and Blaine Marjama, Matthew Janik, Nathan (Bonnie) Hall, Travis (Anna) Hall, Kaitlyn (Dylan) Neel, Robin (Jessie) Janik, Callie (Thomas) Bishop, Emily Janik and Sebastian Petak, Daniel Jr (Julia) Janik, and Mary Janik; great grandchildren: Luke and Solomon Hall, Mera Hall, Myles Neel, Isla Bishop and Radka Janik. Also surviving Emil is his brother Robert (Patricia) Janik and nephew Alexander Janik. Emil’s family offer a sincere thank you to friends and health care workers that have supported Emil. They also wish to especially acknowledge Gustavo Morel M.D., Robert Han M.D, and their respective staff, for taking wonderful care of Emil Janik. You have all made a difference. In honor of E.J.’s fun and competitive nature, the yearly fall golf trip will be formally named The EJ Classic Golf Outing. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial donations for Young’s Youth Summer Golf Program. Checks can be made out, mailed to: George Young Recreation Complex, Attn. Youth Summer Golf Program, PO Box 457, Iron River, MI 49935 A family memorial service will be held at a date to be determined. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Emil Janik, Jr., please visit our flower store.