Michael "Mike" Janetzki

Michael "Mike" Janetzki, aged 64, passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2026.

Mike was a beloved son, brother, and a dear friend to many people who now feel an incredible emptiness without him. He was always cheerful with a wonderful smile and had a huge heart for not only his loved ones, but for all of the four-legged friends/dogs in his life. Mike was a talented master carpenter and was the successful business owner of "Abilities Unlimited". He enjoyed his extended "families" in both Elgin, Illinois and in Florence, WI. He loved the Northwoods and the Sycamore Speedway and helping others selflessly. His friends and family have lost a bright light in their lives and we will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his mother, Heidi Janetzki of Arlington Heights, IL, his twin brother, Tom (Laura) Janetzki of Bristol, WI, and his sister, Susanne Champ.

Following are a few of Mike's close friends that were like family to him and are grieving his loss along with his immediate family:

Lori Lomma and her sons Nick and Danny, Lori's mom Poppy Neustrom, and their dogs Obie and Tootsie.

Melissa England, her three children…daughter Kayla DuMelle, Kayla's former husband Paul DuMelle, and their children, Caden and Ryder. Sons Christopher England, Joshua and Desiree England and their children, Kevin, Avery, and Skylar, and Melissa's mother, Audine Dickey. Mike also had a very special place in his heart for Melissa's dog, Tinkerbell.

Mary Jo and Enzo Ricci; George Kuecker; Sherry Klein and Bobby Herman and their daughter, Cailee Cameron; Tiffany Olson.

He was preceded in death by his best friend Steve Kaplan, his father Peter Janetzki, and his two beloved dogs, Ashlund and Peanut.

Following are a few testaments to the incredible person that Mike was.

Lori Lomma's kind words:

"Mike loved the Northwoods and visiting Florence where he enjoyed four wheeling and kayaking and pontoon rides. He never missed the up-hill races and even attended the town kids' sports and football games at the high school. He had a whole group of friends and family that adored him here!!!"

Josh England's kind words:

"Mike was the kind of person whose presence instantly brought comfort. He carried a smile that felt genuine, steady, and full of kindness. He was the kind of man who never hesitated to lend a hand, to show up, or to put someone else's needs before his own.

During one of the most vulnerable moments of my mother's life, Mike was there for her in ways that truly mattered. And that wasn't a one-time act of kindness. He showed up, and he kept showing up. With patience, compassion, and a quite strength that never asked for recognition. He showed up consistently, with care and loyalty, in way that spoke louder than words. He was also there for me and for our entire family. Mike was someone you could always count on.

No matter what kind of day you were having, Mike's happiness was contagious. His warmth, his smile, and his steady presence had a way of lifting you up without him ever trying. You simply felt better being around him.

Mike was a genuinely good man. One who lived with kindness, generosity, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and a reminder of how powerful it is to simply be there for others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him."

Mary Jo and Enzo Ricci's kind words:

"Enzo and I wanted to write a few words so that everyone understood what Mike meant to us. Mike is leaving behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and exceptional skill. A master carpenter by trade, Mike was the cornerstone of American Dream House Realty. His partnership with Enzo and I was built on trust and respect. Together we completed over 85 real estate rehabilitations, transforming neglected houses into beautiful homes for many families.

Beyond his professional dedication, Mike was defined by his kindness and his "always available" spirit. Whether it was a major renovation or a small side project for a friend in need, he gave every task his full heart and steady hands. He was more than a business partner; he was a loyal person and a brilliant problem solver who was always just a phone call away. Mike is truly irreplaceable and will be deeply missed and will leave a void that cannot be filled."

Tiffany Olson's kind words (from Sycamore Speedway):

"Mike worked the track entrance or what they like to refer to as the "top of the shoot". Prior to that he helped in the pit tower organizing race orders and making sure cars were here getting ready to race.

I took over the speedway in 2011and he has maintained that track entrance spot for me the whole time. He made sure no one entered onto the track when they weren't supposed to, helped line up cars, helped with anything that was asked of him! And always with a smile on his face. And sometimes with a box of popcorn in hand and a Pepsi close by. LOL

He will be missed greatly by his Sycamore Speedway family. The track just won't be the same without him."