William J. Jancek's Obituary
Mr. William J. Jancek, age 86, of Muskegon, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen House, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Oceana County on January 4, 1924 to John and Anna (Kudera) Jancek. Bill had worked 47 years at Continental Motors as a journeyman machine repairman UAW Local #113, retiring in 1989. He proudly served his country during WWII, as a member of the U.S. Army and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received while fighting in the Philippines. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, where he worked on building renovations and St. Thomas Bingo. He was also a Life Member of VFW Post #446. Bill served as a representative on the St. Mary’s Cemetery Board for 30 years. He also serviced appliances for 30 years and operated a carpet-cleaning business for 15 years. Bill also enjoyed working with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Most of all, he loved good times with his family and friends and was an avid Catholic Central Crusader fan, especially enjoying his grandchildren’s softball games. On September 8, 1951, he married Lillias Brunais in Rothbury, MI and she survives him along with 6 children: Carlene (Gene) Drake of Riverside, CA, Peter (Shirley) Jancek of Jackson, Laura (Lenny) Guzman of Grand Rapids, Elizabeth (Harold) Barger of Lehigh Acres, FL., William (Tina) Jancek of Muskegon and Michael Jancek of Muskegon; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 brother, Lewis Jancek of Montague; 1 sister, Patricia Bates of Muskegon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers: Victor, Benjamin, Stephen, John, Thomas, Albert, Edward, and Richard; and sisters, Kate Ronning, Rose Katt and Ann Jancek. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will take place 11 AM Thursday, October 7, 2010 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Anthony Britto presiding. VISITATION with Bill’s family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231-726-5210) and 1 hour prior to the service at church with the rosary being prayed at 7:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment and Military Honors will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Bill, memorial contributions may be given to American Red Cross of Muskegon - Oceana, Muskegon Catholic Central Athletic Club or St. Thomas Catholic Church.
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