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Janis Susan Michaels

Janis Michaels Obituary

Janis Susan Michaels, nee Laskarin, age 60, of Dyer, formerly of Hammond, IN, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, James; sons, Jon (Nichole) Michaels of Dyer, IN and Nicholas Michaels of Hammond, IN; daughter, Nicole (Steven) Miskowicz of Chicago; grandchildren, Skylar and Maraide Michaels; mother, Marge (late John) Laskarin of Hammond, IN; sister, Nancy Laskarin (Mark Purevich) of Schererville, IN; loving pets, Buttons, Rosie, Crammer and Cindy. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Calumet City, IL at 6:30 p.m. Friends may meet with the family before the Service at the church. A Summer Soltice Celebration of friendship, love and loyalty will be held in the house that she made everyone's home on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Funeral Services entrusted with Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory, 219-322-7766 .

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Janis Michaels

36 Entries

Carrie Flynn (Carmichael)

May 25, 2008

Dear Michaels Family,

It is only recently that I heard about Mrs. Michaels. I hope this message finds you all. I can't seem to think of just the right words to say. The thought that keeps coming to my mind is that every Mother's Day since I became a mother in 1999, I always thought of sending her a thank you note for all that I learned from her. Despite the years gone by, she has always been one of my most influential role models of what being an amazing mother should be. Jon, I remember you telling me once in church that if your mom squeezed you hand once, it meant "behave" and two squeezes meant "I love you". I will teach that to my own two girls (Molly & Katie). Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

God Be With You All,
Carrie Flynn

Brian Quinn

January 21, 2008

Dear Mr. Michaels family,
I wanted to send my deepest sympathies to your family on hearing of your loss. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Michaels and she will always have a place in my heart. I hope you are all well and take comfort in your memories of such a wonderful woman.

Marilyn Woodward Siemering

January 20, 2008

Jim & Family,

I was so sorry to hear about Janis's death. It has been years since I have seen her, but have had on occasion, over the years, spoken with her on the phone. How proud she was of her family! Take comfort in knowing that she is with the Lord.

Collin McKinney

January 18, 2008

Dear Janis,
I am sending this to you, because I will think of you often, and remenber you as you were in your office. Thanks for all you did for me.
Collin

Natalie Carter (Cain)

January 17, 2008

Janis was a beautiful person with a very loving spirit. She touched many lives and will be forever known for her generosity. She is with the Lord and has earned her wings as an angel in heaven, as she was here on earth. I will forever miss her but will think of her and smile.

Paul Thurston

January 17, 2008

I have a lot of fond memories of working with Janis and her family at Tyson Ford. We were very close, and I will miss Jan very much.

Claudia Pearson

January 16, 2008

To the Michaels Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. I work at Michael's Restaruant where Janis would come in for breakfast on occasion before work. She was always so pleasant, always in a good mood. She loved to talk about her family and especially her granddaughters and how much she loved them.

Janet Palkon

January 16, 2008

Jon,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. It's been years since we've spoken. A flood of memories come back during our High School Years. You were a great friend, who I know was greatly loved and admired by your mother. Though I only met her a couple times, I can see she made an astounding impact on the lives of so many.

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Janet Jaworowski-Palkon

Robin, Dave and Casey Alef (Zipko)

January 15, 2008

Mr. Michaels and Family...
Although we can't be with you, know we send our love; and, you're forever in our prayers. We can't imagine your grief, as Mrs. Michaels' passing truly makes our heart ache beyond belief,--- the only comfort comes from knowing we were so blessed to have had her in our lives. For that, we're grateful, and we know her legacy will live on, not only in you, but in all who knew her... she was ONE in a MILLION, and just knowing her made us all better people. We love you!

Walter/Shirley White

January 14, 2008

Dear Jim and Family,
I just now heard about Janis. We are just devastated. She was the
most caring person that we know.
We will never forget her smiling face. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you, Wally and Shirley White

Torrie (Dardis) Lloyd

January 13, 2008

Jim,
May God bless you and your family with a peace that passes all understanding.

Jeanine (Sobczak) Huppenthal

January 13, 2008

Dear Mr. Michaels, Jon, Nikki, and Nicholas - When I heard of Mrs. Michaels' passing, I can't explain how sad I felt. However, as many have stated, I immediately began to think of all the memories / good times we all shared. From riding our bikes through the forest to get to your house during the summer, to making up cheers on the weather to make light of the situation, to her wonderful smile every time I talked to her, they were all great memories. It's rare to find such an amazing woman that has touched so many families. Even though I did not see you all that often, it felt just like we were back at St. Andrew's every time I did see you. Your whole family is very special, and you are all in my prayers. My whole family sends their condolensces.

With deepest sympathy,
Jeanine (Sobczak) Huppenthal

NORMA WIERMAN

January 13, 2008

Dear Jim, John, Nicky and Nicholas,

What an incredible loss for all who knew and loved Janis. I feel blessed to have worked with her and shared her special sense of humor on a daily basis. She kept life bareble at a very dark part of my life. We will all miss her love and wisdom. God Bless and take care.

Norma Wierman

Virg Karis-Trzcinski

January 13, 2008

Margie, I am so sorry.

Susan Grammer

January 10, 2008

Life is not measured in years that have passed..it's measured in kindnesses,close friends, and loved ones, as well as the blessings we have known. May love surround you, memories cheer you and God bless you.

Susie & Bill Grammer
(Susie Michaw)

Kate Michaw

January 10, 2008

Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is eternity.
Hours fly, flowers die,
New days, new ways pass by,
Love stays.
Respectfully , Kathleen Michaw

Bill & Paula Gallagher

January 9, 2008

Jim & family,

We want to send our deepest sympathies on your loss. We're sorry we won't be able to attend the celebration of Janis' life on January 19th due to the fact that we'll be out of town. We're very sorry for your loss.

E. Bielefeld

January 9, 2008

Janis was a vital member of the Bishop Noll Class of 1965. Her beautiful smile and kind manner endeared her to all including faculity and staff. We were friends and worked on committees together including the 10th reunion committee. Always a joy to be with, her loss is felt throughout the BNI community. She was one of our best.
My prayers are with you all,
Elaine Engle Bielefeld
BNI '65

Bob and Marchell Barkey

January 8, 2008

Dear Jim and Family,
I have tried writing here several times and nothing sounds right. Janis was one remarkable lady that Bob and I are so happy to have had in our lives. Each time I look at one of the St. Nick's that came from Nicholas, I think of her and your family. She made us laugh and smile all the time. She made us feel like we were the most important people in her life. Her stories of all of you allowed us to share in special family moments. You all were everything to her. We just saw her a few weeks ago and it was like a big party. Thank God we had that chance meeting with her. Know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed very much. Love, Bob and Marchell

Don Pietranczyk

January 8, 2008

Dear Michaels Family,

It's with great sympathy that I send my condolences to you all. I was very saddened by the news of Mrs. Michaels' passing. Despite the fact that I have not seen her or the family for many, many years memories of Mrs. Michaels' loving and caring personality came flooding back to me when I heard. She always -always showed me kindness and, more importantly, acceptance. Feeling that support and genuine care is something I will never forget as I have kept those memories close to my heart ever since.
Thank you to the family for sharing your wife/mother with us all. Because of that many people were able to feel what it was to be the friend of such a beautiful woman.

I will include Mrs. Michaels' and Michaels' family in my prayers.

My very best regards,

Don Pietranczyk

Matt Girsch

January 8, 2008

Micheals Family,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Matt Girsch

Laura Leggero (Bajenski)

January 8, 2008

Jim and Family:

I was shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Nikki, thanks for calling my parents to share this difficult news. Janis was really a wonderful person and certainly the matriarch of the Michaels family! I can remember wondering how she did it "all" - she took such good care of all of you. What a legacy she has left behind. Her loss will leave everyone she touched with an emptiness that's hard to fill. May you find comfort knowing that God needed another angel and may He bring you peace and strength during this most trying time. Many prayers are with you all.

John K

January 8, 2008

Dear Nick, Nancy and Mark,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great grief and loss. May God grant you and your family members peace and the trust that you will see Janis again one day with Him.
God bless you,

Bob & Julie Girsch

January 8, 2008

JIM, JOHN, NICOLE, NICHOLAS,

It is with great sadness that we learned of Janice's passing. She was truly a great woman who openly shared her love with all. The Girsch family was the beneficiary of her many generosities. May God continue to shower His blessing on her, and the entire Michael's family.

Jennifer Pichler and Family

January 8, 2008

Dear Michael's Family,

It has been some years since the good Ole' St. Andrew days. Even after I left to go to HS and to college, I always knew that your wife/mom would always be there if I needed anything. (She even helped and sold me my first car.) She was a tremendous wife, mom, and role model. I have so many memories of her at St. Andrews~ always making sure everything ran to a "T". She had a big heart and she cared about everyone she was involved with. She is someone that will be missed. She has raised a strong and caring family. Those qualities she possessed have and will carry on through them. May god bless all of you with your loss. I will always remember her for the wonderful things she did for others, her funny remarks, strong work ethic, and for being an all around amazing woman.

Tim & Sandi Michaw

January 7, 2008

The death of a woman is felt by no one so keenly as by her husband. To grieve alone is to suffer most; comfort one another always.

Karen Walker

January 7, 2008

Jim & family,
What a wonderful woman Janis was and I feel SO blessed to have known such a wonderful,genuine,caring person. I had the privilege of working with her thru Ford Credit for several years. Never was there a time when she didn't make me laugh or smile infectiously after seeing her!! Jim and Janis celebrated with us on our wedding day and gave us our nicknames of Ruby and Lance Romance...It's been 8 years and she still called us Lance and Ruby and would address all mail to our "new names!! We laughed hysterically about that!
Celebrate all those amazing memories you made with her and cherish them in your heart forever!!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing such an amazing woman in all of our lives!!!

Janis, we will always love you and will forever be in our hearts!!

"Lance and Ruby Romance"

Dale Pietranczyk

January 7, 2008

I have started writing something 3-4 times, each time stopping because everything I write doesn't sound good enough for this lady. Almost 30 years ago, I met a lady who was incredibly nice with an unbelievable sense of humor & heart to match. She seemed to be a great combination of mother & friend all roled into one. I remember swimming at the Michaels' house all day, helping Jon w/his paper route, & even helping w/Nicholas' diapers - all while having a great time with a lady who never seemed to be without a smile to share. Without rambling too much, I am so very saddened by this loss, but by remembering her, just happy to have gotten to know her & glad she was a part of my life. Mr. Michaels, Jon, Nicki, & Nicholas, my thoughts & prayers are with you & yours.

Pat DeLisa

January 7, 2008

Michaels Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Someone as special as Janis will never be forgotton. May you find strength in remembering all the wonderful memories that you have of her. She was truly a great person and will be missed by many. Our prayers are with all of you.
The Jim DeLisa Family

Mike Dunn

January 7, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

DELORISE BROWN

January 7, 2008

TO THE FAMILY OF JANIS, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. IT IS A GREAT LOST, BUT KNOW THAT SHE WAS LOVED BY EVERYONE. SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE IF YOU NEEDED HER. REMEMBER I AM HERE, ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT. JANIS AND I STARTED WORKING TOGETHER AT TYSON FORD. WE HAD ALOT OF GOOD TIMES TOGETHER WITH LUNCHES, DINNERS AND THE MANY PARTIES THAT WE ATTENDED. SHE HELPED ME GET MY JOB AT BOSAK HONDA WHEN TYSON CLOSED. SHE MADE ALL THE EVENTS VERY ENJOYABLE. PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO HESITATE TO GIVE ME A CALL FOR ANY REASON.

HIRCHAK DONNA

January 7, 2008

JIM, JOHN, NICOLE, NICHOLAS,

I CAN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW AWFUL I FEEL ABOUT THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF JANIS. IT STILL FEELS LIKE A BAD DREAM AND I'M GOING TO WAKE UP AND IT WON'T BE TRUE, WHICH I'M SURE YOU ALL FEEL THE SAME WAY. SHE WAS A EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN WHO LOVED LIFE AND EVEN MORE HER FAMILY.

SHE MADE COMING TO WORK WORTHWHILE. JANIS WAS ALWAYS HAPPY, READY WITH A WISECRACK. WE SHARED COOKBOOKS TOGETHER ALONG WITH NUMEROUS RECIPES. SHE REALLY LOVED PAULA DEEN. MY LEMON BARS WHERE ALWAYS HER FAVORITE. JOHN, I KNOW YOU LOVED THEM ALSO SO WHEN YOU HAVE A TASTE FOR LEMON BARS JUST GIVE ME A CALL AT BOSAK. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ME.

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU.

LOVE,

Patti McCauley (Geiger)

January 7, 2008

Dear Jim and Family,

Janis was my sister Sandy McCauley's best friend. I will always remember Janis as beautiful inside and out, sweet and generous and had that rare ability to put everyone immediately at ease in her presence. I remember when Jon and Nicole were born and even have pictures of them somewhere at home. I even remember Grandma Presco. Janis and Jim even came to my wedding a few months after we lost Sandy. Janis was such a loving person and her family meant everything to her. Jim, I remember when you were working on the Alaskan pipeline - now THAT was a long time ago! Please accept my deepest condolences. The Michaels family has held a special place in my heart. God bless you all.

Anthony Andello

January 7, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort. I met Janis as a customer when she worked at Tyson Lincoln Mercury. Janis was a person who enjoyed her job and spoke highly of her family and their accomplishments. With deepest sympathy.

Susan Harmening

January 7, 2008

James and Family,
I met Janis through the Carmelite Guild. She was a kind and giving member and I was lucky to have known her. She will be missed by all of us. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Karen Fisher

January 7, 2008

Janis was like a second mother to me, a role model that I hope to live up to someday. Her children loved her beyond belief & loved to be near her; that is how I hope my children will feel as they get older. Janis gave me wonderful parenting advise, that I will cherish forever. Her loving, caring & giving nature went far beyond any that I have ever seen. She was the most extraordinary woman that it has ever been my pleasure & honor to know. She will be greatly missed. Jim, John, Nikki, Nicholas & girls; you all are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything.

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