Michael G. Janssen

Michael G. Janssen, age 70, of Merrill, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike faced a difficult cancer diagnosis, achieving remission twice, and fought with unwavering strength and determination until the very end.

Mike was born on August 22, 1955, in Merrill to Gerhardt and Rose (Duffrin) Janssen. On November 9, 1985, he married the love of his life, Lori Burgener, in Merrill. Together they shared 40 wonderful years of marriage, recently celebrating their milestone anniversary. Mike and Lori were inseparable—true best friends and partners in every sense.

In 1989, Mike founded Janssen Heating & Cooling, Inc., a business that became his pride and joy. His hard work and dedication built a lasting legacy that will continue through his family. Beyond his professional life, Mike had a passion for restoring classic cars, especially his beloved 1955 Chevy Bel Air. He cherished summer grill-outs with family, creating fun for his grandchildren with tents and forts made from furnace boxes. In his younger years, Mike enjoyed camping, boating, swimming, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling. He also had a special bond with his dogs, particularly his loyal companion, Bella.

Mike was known for his unwavering kindness and willingness to help others. Throughout the years of being in business, he quietly extended compassion in countless ways—never hesitating to waive service call fees for those who couldn’t afford them, offering financial breaks so families could have heat in their homes, and making sure no one was left in the cold.

Mike will be remembered for his generosity, authenticity, and honesty—qualities that defined both his life and his business. He spoke his mind, often with a bluntness that was as endearing as it was genuine. Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose love and laughter will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Lori Janssen of Merrill; daughters, Mandy (Jimmy) Clark of Merrill and Leigha (Brandon) Graap of Merrill; grandchildren, Alixandra, Adison, Emma, Avery, Bentley, Easton, James, Parker, Alivia, Breigha, and Amelia; brothers, George (Julie) Janssen of Merrill and Paul G. Janssen of Merrill; sisters-in-law, Judy (Lyman) Hatz of Wausau and Kay (Doug) Behnke of Stuart, FL; dog, Bella; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhardt and Rose Janssen; in-laws, Rudy and Rita Burgener; and two infant brothers.

The funeral service for Mike will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Town of Rock Falls, Lincoln County. The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M on Friday, November 21, 2025., and after 10:00 A.M. Saturday all at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com