Diane Lynn Janovyak

DIANE LYNN JANOVYAK

(nee Gladkowski)

Diane Lynn Janovyak, of Shorewood, IL, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023, at Lightways Hospice, Joliet, IL, at the age of 74.  She was born in Joliet on December 12, 1948, to the late Edward and Netta (Oldani) Gladkoswki. She was also preceded in death by her father in-law and mother in-law, Steven and Mary (Bick) Janovyak.  Diane was a lifelong resident of Joliet, Plainfield, Channahon, and Shorewood.

She is survived by the love of her life, Daniel “Bink” Janovyak, her son Christopher Michael Janovyak, daughter-in-law, Alicia (Conley) Janovyak, her granddaughter, River (5 yrs.) and grandson, Rebel Janovyak (2 yrs.)  Also, her sister Joyce (Timothy) Selfridge; brothers in-law and sisters in-law Suzanne (Raymond-deceased) Spreitzer, Donald (Linda) Janovyak, Lynda (Lawrence) Scheuber, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   

Diane graduated from Joliet Township West High School, Class of 1967.  She was an all-around athlete.  Her high school gym coach, Becky Tweedle, said that she never saw a girl basketball player that could shoot as well as Diane.  She also bowled, golfed, and played pool, tennis, softball, volleyball, and bocce ball. 

On July 24^th, 1971, Diane married her grade school sweetheart, best friend, and loving husband, Dan “Bink,” at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rockdale, IL.  In the summer of 1975, Diane and Bink built their first home in Fond Du Lac, Plainfield, IL.  Diane did all the electrical wiring for the house, as well as the decorating inside.  Diane, Bink, and Chris spent many fun years traveling to Panama City Beach, Florida, to their condo for spring breaks, and summer vacation time. 

Diane was employed at Caterpillar Tractor in Joliet for 40 years prior to her retirement as a materials purchasing buyer overseeing multi-million-dollar contracts worldwide.  She traveled extensively to Japan, France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.  She was on the last plane back to Chicago after the World Trade Center was hit on 9-11. 

She loved God, and was a proud American, who demonstrated her pride for our country openly and continually.  Above all, she loved her family and was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and great-aunt.  Her greatest joy was the time that she was able to spend with her family, especially cooking for all of the holidays, especially Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, cherishing that time most.  Her nephews would say that she was the best cook, and she truly was.  Her specialty was potica, particularly the expressive way that her love for chocolate came out.  And we cannot forget her delicious fudge!

Diane was an avid reader.  She also enjoyed shopping, especially for herself and the two grandchildren.  She could truly “shop ‘til she dropped.”  Diane taught herself to knit, and expressed her creativity in crafting handmade knitted outfits, blankets, sweaters, and scarfs for her sister, friends, grandkids, and herself.  Then, there was the craft shows every summer in different places, and crafts to purchase for all the seasons. Last, but not least, Diane loved attending picnics at St. Joe’s Park with dancing, and of course, “Bingo.”  Her biggest love was music and dancing (especially ballroom dancing at Willowbrook), just like her father and mother.  She should have been on Dancing with the Stars, but now she is dancing in heaven. 

A special thank you to Crystal, for her weekly help, cooking, and caring for Diane.  Also, thanks to Joyce Foe, for her help, caring, and weekly nursing visits.  We are additionally grateful to the staff at Lightways for their compassionate caregiving in Diane’s final days.                 

 Visitation will be held at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435 on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. and funeral services following at 4 p.m. with Deacon Steve Petrouske from Holy Family Catholic Church officiating.  Cremation rites to follow, and inurnment at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Diane’s name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet 60435. (www.lightways.org).   For Information, please call the funeral home at (815) 744-4444 or you may visit Diane’s Memorial Tribute page at www.bgsfuneral/home.com.