Fred Janesky

Fred W. Janesky, 86, passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois.  He was born on May 29, 1934, the son of Frederick and Edith (Olson) Janesky in Danbury, Connecticut.  He married Marilyn Mills on June 2, 1956 in Danville, Illinois.  They were married for 50 years before her passing on March 10, 2007.  He later married Patricia Henderson, she survives. 

Other survivors include Fred and Marilyn’s two sons, Mark (Molly) Janesky and Kent (Joan) Janesky, both of Danville; seven grandchildren, Kyle (Rachel) Janesky of Catlin, Erin (Javier) Perez of Danville, Erik (Megan) Janesky of Louisville, KY, Ali (Ben) Kramer of Bloomington, IL, Kerry (Darin Bowers) Janesky of Urbana, IL, Christine (Matt) Stroud of Cayce, South Carolina and Blake (Aida) Janesky of Burbank, California and 11 great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marilyn, and his sister, Florence.

After graduation from Danbury High School, Fred ventured to the Midwest to attend the Missouri School of the Mines (now the University of Missouri) at Rolla.  He graduated with a degree in engineering in 1955.  He went to work for Haliburton Oil Company and Staley Corporation (now ADM) as an engineer.  While at Staley’s he designed what was the longest conveyor belt in the world at the time.  He was then drafted and served in the United States Army and upon his discharge he and Marilyn settled in Danville to raise their family. Here, he was the owner/operator of E.B. Collins Co Inc. until its closing in 2007.

Fred was an avid fisherman and a former member of the Pollywogs.  He enjoyed baseball and coached his sons throughout their little league years at the American Legion Youth Baseball Park and he was an avid Cubs fan.  When the boys were young he participated in Red Mask, building many sets not only for the children’s plays, but for many adult performances as well.  Fred also enjoyed woodworking and had just begun to teach his young grandchildren the art of creating with their hands when Marilyn became ill.  He lovingly cared for her for the next 16 years. 

Per Fred’s wishes there will be no services.  Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park.  Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois, 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements.   Memorial donations may be made to Red Mask Theater, American Legion Little League or Schlarman Academy of Danville.  No flowers please.  As a memorial to Fred please extend a kindness today, large or small, to someone in need.

Please join Fred’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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