Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Janecek Obituary
Bill was born and raised in West St. Paul, and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy in 1961.
He met Joan Ryan at a Sports Car Club of America meeting (he was Team Triumph, she Team MG); they married and made their home in White Bear Lake for 11 years. He lived in Wyoming, Minn. with his second wife Donna until 1980. He then lived in Forest Lake until moving to Lindstrom in 1987 to his dream life on the lake.
His interests led him to several careers including as a pharmacist at Moudry's Apothecary and Sansby Drug, owner of Goodrich Universal and The Martin House supper club, service station assistant manager and retiring as outside sales manager at Venburg Tire.
He was a bird-watcher, gardener and avid outdoorsman, making a lifetime of memories fishing, camping and hunting. The BWCA, Superior National Forest and the Gunflint Trail especially held a very special place in his heart, which he shared with his kids and grandkids.
He was a voracious reader and orator and loved a good debate. He was active in and made lifelong friends in the White Bear Lake and Minnesota Jaycees.
He was a dominant cribbage player, quickly picked up euchre with "the boys" at Poik's Barber Shop, and enjoyed watching movies, football and golf.
Pops' greatest joy was his family, and he loved hosting his kids and grandkids at Homely House, on hunting trips, family camping trips and trips out west.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruth (Geiger) Janecek, his brother Donald "Doc" Robert Janecek, and stepmother Ruth.
Bill is survived by his sister Ginger Ostrander; his children Mary (Steve) Koehler, Kate (John) Martin, Betsy (Jesse) Longley, William (Xiaohui) Janecek, Chuck (Alison) Janecek, Jean (Frank) Mamea; and his grandchildren Grant (Anna) Janecek, Ben, Liam, and Greta Koehler, Drew, Tyler, and Jake Martin, Elise and Colden Longley, Madison and Austin Janecek, Leslie and Lauren Janecek, Fanuatanu, Manaia, and Loleaulelei Mamea.
There will be a gathering to honor Bill's life on Saturday, Oct. 16 from Noon - 4 p.m. with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Beach Park pavilion, 12505 Newell Ave., Lindstrom, MN, 55045. Please dress for the weather, as we'll be outside as Pops preferred. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Friends of BWCA or Minnesota State Parks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Janecek
Make a Donation
in William Janecek's name
Memorial Events
for William Janecek
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Janecek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
