Obituaries
Obituary for Francis J. Janovetz
World War II Flight Instructor PEORIA-Francis J. Janovetz, an honored member of the "Greatest Generation", passed away Saturday morning in Peoria. At age 92, Frank, the son of John J. Janovetz and Stella M. Dorff Janovetz, is survived by his sisters, Alice Otto and Agnes Dunn, both of Peoria, and his wife of more than 50 years, Goldia L. Janovetz, from whom he was divorced in 1993. Also surviving are his daughter, M. Fran Theis (Ron) of Bloomfield Village, Michigan, his sons, John "JJ" Janovetz (Barb) of Colleyville, Texas, and James A. Janovetz of Leland, North Carolina, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are sprinkled from sea to sea in the country he loved so much. During his illness Frank was lovingly looked after by his granddaughter, Joy E. Jirousek (Mark), and dear friend, Reba Hill both of Peoria. Frank taught flight for both the Army and the Navy. He was a flight instructor at the Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics, a division of Parks Air College. As an officer in the Navy he taught combat pilots in Pensacola, Florida. One of his life's passions was aerial photography. He flew numerous missions with aerial photographers who were pioneering the field of aerial reconnaissance at the time. When Frank settled his family in Peoria in 1945, he joined Traders Realty, and later went on to establish his own real estate and insurance company. His last career position was as Vice President and Loan Officer for First Federal Savings and Loan Association, with whom he worked for 19 years, retiring in 1978. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 1, from 6 to 8 pm at Wright and Salmon. A memorial service will be 10:00 Thursday, August 2, at Wright and Salmon. Graveside ceremonies will be held at 2:00 Thursday at the National Cemetery of the Rock Island Arsenal. Frank will proudly wear his white Navy dress uniform. Via Con Dios, Paw-Paw. Your family, many friends, and your morning coffee group will remember your strength, courage and humor. We love you and salute you. Memorial contributions may be made to USO. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com
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