Kenneth D. Janousek, Jr.
Kenneth D. Janousek, Jr., age 87, of Olivet, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 17, 2024. He was born February 5, 1937, in Charlotte the son of Kenneth D. and Laverna (Pratt) Janousek. Ken went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1955. On October 27, 1957, he married Carol Kathleen Clarke. Ken worked his entire career as a machinist at Airway Manufacturing in Olivet. He retired after 45 ½ years of faithful service. Ken had a passion for all things outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and taking beautiful pictures of wildlife. In his retirement he enjoyed raising white-tailed deer. Ken looked forward to family dinners every Sunday at 1 P.M. and watching Michigan Out-of-Doors every Thursday evening with a big bowl of popcorn in his lap. He also looked forward to drinking coffee with friends around the table.
He is survived by his children, Debra (Steve) Graeve of Littleton, CO, Mark (Rosie) Janousek of Olivet; son-in-law, Joe Costello of Olivet; grandchildren, Lindsay (Chad) Stewart of Marshall, Kendra (Levi) VanSyckle of Marshall, Dan (Jacque) Graeve of Lakewood, CO, Julie Graeve of Lakewood, CO, Lacy (Judah) Smith of Burlington, Alissa (Nick Johnson) Costello of Olivet, Tara Graeve of Littleton, CO, Gino (Macy) Costello of Marshall, and Gabrielle Costello of Olivet; great-grandchildren, Meredith and Griffin Stewart, Jameson Janousek, Brynna VanSyckle, Giana Johnson, Alden Graeve, Addilyn Smith and two more on the way!!; sisters-in-law, Joann Clarke, Rebecca Clarke; lifelong friend, David Hadley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank Rebecca’s In-Home Care and Candace Kelly for the exceptional care provided to Ken.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; daughter, Sandi Costello; brothers-in-law, Robert Clarke and Carl Clarke.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ken’s memory The Olivet High School Trap Shooting Team 255 1st Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Ken’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.