Farewell Dan Janis.

I consider Dan Janis a good friend and a great guy. His passing on January 23rd was saddening, but it was also a reminder to me of how to get the most out of life.
True, I didn’t know Dan as well as his family or closest friends. We first met when he returned to WCLO radio on the afternoon show in the 80s. I was working in the Creative Services Office at that time, and Dan and I soon struck up a relationship. I enjoyed creating “Letterman style” show opens for his program, which still featured music as opposed to our all-talk format these days.
Over time, I came to know Dan as someone who was very interested in the success of his community. He was very involved in the Lions Club and, for years after he left the station, we heard him as the voice of the Noon Lions Rose Sale. In fact, his freelance efforts outside radio earned him the title of “the voice”. Indeed, even the license plate on his station wagon sporting his “Dan Janis Presents” production business reflected his love of performing and doing voice work.

I came to know that Dan was a man of faith with a love of his family and a giving heart. My wife and I enjoyed the times Dan and Bertha were able to make it to our annual Bremel Christmas Party and I could always count on Dan for a smile and his great sense of humor.
I was privileged to see Dan (the times of which have become fewer over the years) one last time when we were both, coincidentally, in the hospital at the same time just a few days before Dan left us. Though obviously weak and tired, he still had his gentle spirit and quipped about me controlling my stress level so could go home. I believe he had come to terms with his coming transition from this life to the next, and even at this final meeting I came away with a sense of his gentle kindness, his concern for others and the peace he found in his faith.
I did go home with no serious illness or issues the next day. Dan went to his eternal home four days later. Thanks for what you gave to us, Dan. We’ll miss you.

Visitation will be held from 10am-12noon with the funeral service following on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Janesville.