The Rev. Ralph William Janofski, 96, died at 8:31 p.m. Oct. 9, 2010, in Miller's Merry Manor, Warsaw, where he had lived for three years.
He was born May 8, 1914, in Republic, Mich., to John and Minnie Janofski. On July 2, 1948, he married Aleta L. Sinkey, who died May 25, 1985. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Marian Weisinger Janofski, in August 2005.
He graduated from Republic High School and Owosso (Mich.) Bible College. Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, he had lived most of his life in Michigan.
He was a bi-vocational pastor for more than 30 years, serving three congregations. He ministered at the Harlan (Mich.) Gospel Tabernacle from 1949-57; Buckley (Mich.) Gospel Tabernacle from 1957-67; and at Iron Creek Community Church, Manchester, Mich., from 1968-81. He enjoyed carpentry and building repairs and did remodeling in many of his homes as well as working for others. He was a jack-of-all trades and enjoyed helping his neighbors with many projects. He served the U.S. government during World War II in the Civilian Conservation Corps, acquiring the rank of sergeant. He enjoyed working in the woods, farming, raising horses, the company of his dog "Lad" and was very supportive of Christian missions. He loved his family, praying for them daily and was very helpful to them throughout his life. He was a past member of the senior center of Vestaburg, Mich.
Surviving are five children: Marilyn (and spouse Robert) Van Dyke, North Port, Fla.; Gary (and spouse Leah) Janofski, Riverdale, Mich.; the Rev. Gale (and spouse Janet) Janofski, Warsaw; Kenneth (and spouse Tina), Fairmount; and the Rev. Philip (and spouse Peggy), Waxhaw, N.C.; a sister, Mabel Hurst, Sanford, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and five siblings: Arnold, Robert and Albert Janofski, Louise Randall and Nettie Hallberg.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Rock Lake Bible Methodist Church, 8227 Pine Grove Road, Vestaburg, Mich., with the Rev. Black Jones officiating. Burial will be in Richland Township Cemetery, Vestaburg.
Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Brigham's Funeral Home, 413 W. Gilson St., Edmore, Mich.
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Memorials may be made to Youth Haven Ranch, P.O. Box 97, Rives Junction, MI 49277, or online at www.youthhaven.org
