Gerhard R Janz, 86, of Buchanan, died peacefully, Friday, April 20, 2018, in his residence in the comfort of his family’s presence.
He was born August 9, 1931 in Langendorf, Kreis Labiau, East Prussia, the middle of three sons born to Reinhold and Auguste Janz. He married Isolina Maria Gataveckas September 20, 1958 in Elmhurst, Illinois. She survives.
Gerhard loved and served his Lord as a preacher for over twenty five years at a German Lutheran church in Chicago, Illinois. No one loved gardening more than he did. Gerhard was a proud union welder in the UAW for thirty years at International Harvester in Melrose Park, Illinois.
Gerhard will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty nine years, Isolina Janz of Buchanan; one daughter, Christina (Harold) Abele of Buchanan; two sons, Daniel (Rita) Janz of Lakeside, Sieghard (Melissa) Janz of Dorr; five grandchildren, Christian Janz, Chloe Janz, Mia Janz,, Alexander Janz, Christopher Janz; one sister in law, Elvira Pliess of Morton Grove, Illinois; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gustav Janz, Herbert Janz; and one half sister.
Family and friends will gather Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer with the Reverends Randy Lett and Thomas Brezinski officiating.
Gerhard will be laid to rest in Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, Michigan.
Because Gerhard and Isolina supported so many different charities, the family prefers contributions be made in Gerhard’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128. Please share a memory or a message online.