Michael S. Janoska

Michael S. Janoska, 77, of Iron Ridge Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020. Mike was born on December 23, 1942 to the late John S. Janoska and Maria T. Ave Maria.

Mike was warm-hearted, playful, and creative. Born and raised in West Allis, Mike remained connected to the city throughout his life. A graduate of Central High, Mike fondly remembered his formative years in West Allis, his friends and teammates, and his days playing ball on McKinley playground.

After graduating high school and spending two years in the military, Mike worked for 35 years as a steamfitter with the Local 601. He was employed with companies such as AO Smith and the Pabst Brewery and appreciated working on the beautiful old buildings in downtown Milwaukee. After retirement, Mike focused his energy on sports, crafts, and carpentry. He loved helping others and volunteered at a local scout camp and made numerous donations to Honor Flight.

Mike enjoyed sports, word games, wood working, and camping with his family. He loved hosting dinner parties, fish fries, and any gathering where he could cook and bake for his friends. He was particularly proud of his potica, his pineapple upside-down cake, and his legendary banana crème torte.

Mike leaves behind his beloved wife Suzanne; children Todd, Tracie, Jacob, and Whitney and grandchildren Elijah and Zoe; siblings, brother David and wife Judy, brother Jan, brother Timothy and wife Sharyn, brother Phillip and wife Sue, and sister Judy and husband Tom.

There will be no funeral as the family advocates for all efforts to prevent the spread of COVID 19. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is accepting donations for a memorial bench that will be placed on the Hank Aaron State Trail.

The family plans to host a bicycle ride and celebration of Mike’s life in September of 2021. For details regarding the bicycle ride and donations to Mike’s Memorial bench, please contact Cheryl Sydor at (414) 403-8005.