Benjamin N. Janis

HISLE - Benjamin N. Janis, 57, died December 30, 2007 at his residence at Hisle, SD. Benjamin "Nick" Janis, 57, was born on May 8, 1950, to Cleve Janis and Annie Randall in Scottsbluff, NE. He attended school in Kingsbury, CO., Orpha, WY., Wanblee Day School and Holy Rosary Mission. He joined the United States Army in 1970 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Badge w/ a M-16 Rifle Bar, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Bronze Service Star, 1 Overseas Bar and the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device. After he served his tour of duty in Vietnam he returned home where he received his Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education at Oglala Lakota College. Nick was the Center Director for the Eagle Nest District College Center in Wanblee, SD for 21 years and served on the Crazy Horse School Board for 16 years. Nick believed that Education was very important and because of his belief he assisted and supported all his students who attended OLC to ensure they received a quality education. After his many years of beneficial service in the educational system he was employed for 12 years at Rural Water until the time of his death. Nick enjoyed many hobbies; he loved to play softball and was a member of "The Wanblee Bandits" in the early '80s. He enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, and singing country western songs. He was well liked by everyone that knew him. He was always laughing and joking with his family, friends and even people he didn't know. Grateful to have shared his life are sons: Winfred Janis, Austin, TX; Melvin Janis, Kyle, SD; Travis Janis, Hot Springs, SD; Morgan Janis, Middletown, New Jersey; Howard Janis, Vaughn Janis, Wanblee, SD; Christopher Janis, Allen, SD; Daughters: Marsha Janis, Wanblee, SD; Nicole Medicine Blanket, Sioux Falls, SD; Sisters: Amelia (Seth) Blackbear , Sandra Janis, Wanblee, SD; Brothers: Lloyd (Karen) Janis; Wanblee, SD; Stanley (Donna) Janis, Rapid City, SD; Sister-in-Law: Geneva Janis; Hot Springs, SD; Aunt: Francine Red Willow; Wanblee, SD., twelve Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and his grandparents. Nick will be sadly missed by his children, family, friends, and all those who loved and knew him A two-night wake begins at 1:00 P.M Thursay, January 3rd at Crazy Horse School at Wanblee. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 5th at 10:00 a.m. at Crazy Horse School. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Hisle, S.D. Father Rick Ebert, SJ and Deacon Gerald Bush will officiate. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge.