Obituaries
Obituary for Gerald "Jerry" Janovetz
Peoria-Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Janovetz, age 78, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at his residence in Peoria, IL.
Jerry was born March 15, 1940 in Peoria, a son of Eugene Henry and Mildred Marie (Volz) Janovetz. His parents precede him in death.
After graduation from Spalding Institute (class of 1958), he proudly served his country in Germany in the U.S. Army. Upon returning to the United States, he attended Kansas State University and was a member of the Wildcats basketball team. Jerry earned his B.S. in Economics and Computer Science and relocated to Minneapolis to work for Target. He married and remained in the Minneapolis area for a few years before the desire to be closer to family drew him, and his growing family, back to Peoria. Once back, he followed in his father’s footsteps with employment at Caterpillar; and retired, after thirty years of loyal service, to enjoy his retirement years.
Jerry was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and formerly played and officiated softball. As an avid lover of basketball, he not only played in college, but coached, served as a referee and enjoyed watching the sport as well. Jerry was a master at handicapping horse races and spent more time analyzing racing forms than he would likely admit. He loved to travel and explore unique sights throughout the United States; he valued education and had a never-ending thirst for knowledge and respectful debate; he was a proud Peorian, a devout Catholic, and a long-time member of St. Philomena parish. As a retiree he enjoyed the company of many friends whether over a shared meal, a card game, or a bicycle trip. He will be dearly missed by many.
He is survived by six children; Jennifer (Tony) Janovetz of California, Jeff Janovetz of South Carolina, Jake (Amy) Janovetz of Oregon, Joe (Katie) Janovetz of Peoria, Jill (Shawn) Brown of Virginia, and Jared Janovetz of Peoria, and six grandchildren; Lou, Jessica, Quinn, Will, Cate, and Claire. Also mourning his death are his four siblings of the Peoria area; Judy Morgan, Jane Menk, Joan Janovetz, and Jim (Cindy) Janovetz, along with many nieces and nephews.
A visitation and funeral mass will be held Friday, September 14, 2018 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, 1000 W. Albany Ave., Peoria, IL. A visitation from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and the funeral mass immediately following at 11:30 am. Internment at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria will follow the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lumind RDS Foundation (www.lumindrds.org or 225 Cedar Hill Street, Suite 200, Marlborough, MA 01752), providing Down syndrome cognition research.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
14
Sep
10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
St. Philomena Catholic Church
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Mass
Friday
14
Sep
11:30 AM
St. Philomena Catholic Church
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Joseph Cemetery
2105 W. Heading Ave.
West Peoria, IL 61604
Memorial Contribution
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