Louis John Janak

Louis John Janak

Born on September 15, 1945, sadly taken from us on October 14, 2007 at the age of 62. Louie was born to the proud parents of Leonard and Berniece Janak, who were farmers in the Winner, South Dakota area. In 1955, the family moved to Commerce City, Colorado, where Louie continued his education, graduating from Adams City High School in 1963, Colorado State College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history with a minor in english literature. From 1969 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Army, with one tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. In 1972, Louie received his Masters of Arts Degree in secondary social studies curriculum and instruction and in 1974, received his Doctor of Education in K-12 curriculum and instruction from the University of Northern Colorado. He taught at Rawlins High School, Rawlins, Wyoming and Colorado Women's College, Denver, Colorado. He was elected to the School Board from District #14 in 1979 and served as Post Commander at VFW Post 7386 in Commerce City, Colorado. He held positions with American Water Works and Pace Warehouse. The past 10 years, he was co-owner, with his partner, of a pre-employment company, retiring in 2006. In 1987, Louie and his partner, Roger, purchased a home in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where they still reside. In 2001, they completely remodeled their house to the "Home of Their Dreams". Louie was very proud of their home. He loved to work in his flower gardens and had the greenest lawn on the block. He also loved going to Black Hawk and trying his luck on the $5.00 slot machines. The last trip he took was to Las Vegas with his partner, Roger and good friend, Judi Butz, where he made a small donation to the Nevada Economy.

Louie did show a strong will to survive as he proved in 2002, by surviving cancer; however, on October 14, 2007, Louie's heart was damaged beyond repair, but he proved to be a fighter to the end.

The last few years, Louie enjoyed his partner's grandchildren and his brother Doyle's children, Danielle and Kyle. Louie had a special place in his heart for his partner's youngest granddaughter Elizabeth (Lizzy). Louie never failed to tell her that he loved her whenever he saw her.

Louie loved and was loved by many. He had a heart of gold, a welcoming smile and a wicked sense of humor. His memory will live forever in all our hearts.

Louie is survived by his partner Roger Egerdahl of Wheat Ridge, brothers Doyle (Laurie) of Brighton, Roger (Julie) of Minnesota, sisters Alice (Jerry) of Parker and Shirley (Tom) of Arizona. Louie's extended family included his partners three daughters, Crystal (Cory), Denice (Brad) and Dawn (Larry) all of Colorado. He was grandpa to 7 children, uncle to 10 niece's and nephews and great uncle to 9 young children.

Louie was preceded in death by both of his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following in Louie's name.

Howard Dental Center
1420 Ogden St.
Denver, CO 80218

Project Angel Heart
4190 Garfield St., No. 5
Denver, CO 80216