Richard A. Janssens, 89, of Monroe went home to be with Our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. He passed away peacefully with family by his side. Richard's family wishes to thank the caregivers of Hampton Manor of Dundee for their loving care and the support of Heartland Hospice of Monroe.
Born on September 25, 1935, the oldest son of Gustave and Helen Janssens was a lifelong resident of Monroe. Richard was a 1953 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central, served in the United States Army as a tank mechanic during the Korean War from 1954-1956, then continued his education at Michigan State University in agriculture. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane VanDevelde, on September 8, 1956 and celebrated 67 years together. The were blessed with six children: Mary (John) Gruber of Monroe; Rich (Sharon) Janssens of Novi; Jayne (Richard) Beland of Dundee; Julie (Greg) Althaver of Erlington, Kentucky; Elaine (Jim) Peters of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Ann Marie (Tom) Rutherford of Milford; eighteen grandchildren (Jonathan, Justin, Jared, Margaret, John, Stephanie, Alyson, Bryan, Kathryn, Nathan, Austin, Maranda, Evan, Aaron, Adam, Garrett, Megan, and Keegan) and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Richard was a dedicated husband and father who cared deeply for his family and was a great provider. After Richard's service in the United States Army, Richard worked at Fermi I and Fermi II for over 35 years as a nuclear power-plant operator, was a self-employed farmer where he worked 150 acres; growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. In the early 60's, he also was a musician in a 4-piece band, The Music Makers, where he loved playing the drums for various parties and wedding receptions.
Richard loved traveling with his wife, Mary and enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Ireland, and to his up-north vacation home. One of his favorite pastimes was polkaing with his sweetheart Mary.
Richard had great faith and was a devoted Catholic. He was a member of St. Mary's Parish in Monroe where he served as usher and was a past parish council member.
Richard took pride in his involvement in the community. Richard served as Monroe Charter Township Trustee for the past 20 years. He was an elected member of the Monroe County Farm Service Agency for the past 3 years and participated in the Conservation Reserve Program where he grew wildflowers on his farm. Richard was also currently serving on the Board at the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging and the Monroe Public Access Cable Television Board since 2013. He was a member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau where he served as Promotion and Education Co-Chair with his wife Mary. Richard often made classroom presentations to teach children about agriculture and was actively involved in Ag Expo Days at the Monroe County Fairgrounds for over 15 years. He was also a member of the Michigan Soybean Association, Monroe County Soil Conservation, Monroe County Agricultural Council Member, United States Department of Agriculture for Monroe County, Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 1138, and 4-H Leader for over 25 years.
Richard is preceded in death by his wife Mary, who passed away in August of 2023.
Family and friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25th at Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe where the Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Richard will lie in state the following day, on Saturday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. by the Rev. Father David Burgard. A celebration luncheon will follow in the St. Mary's Parish Life Center. A private interment for the immediate family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the benefit of Monroe Center for Healthy Aging (Monroe Senior Center) or Knights of Columbus Council #1266 Monroe, Michigan.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .