Stephen E. Janus, Jr., April 5, 1935 - June 5, 2026.
Stephen Eugene Janus passed away on June 5, 2026, at the age of 91.
Steve was born on April 5, 1935, in South Bend, Indiana, to Stephen E. and Florence (Taylor)  Janus, Sr. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame and serving as a chaplain's assistant in the United States Army, he married the love of his life, Karen Woss, on November 26, 1960, in Michigan City, Indiana, who survives in Michigan City, Indiana.
Together they raised three average children: Erin (John) Mule' of Fort Myers, Florida; Stephen "Chip" Janus of Michigan City, Indiana; and Jen (Bill) Gee, his "favorite," of Bryson City, North Carolina. They also raised one extraordinary child, Chris (Beth) Janus of Matthews, North Carolina.
Steve loved his children, but his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Hannah (Kohki) Ishii, Ben Mule', Noah Mule', Hunter (Colomba) Janus, Emma Janus, Gabe Janus, Olivia Gee, and Isabel Gee. Nothing brought him greater happiness than following their lives, celebrating their accomplishments, and spending time with them. He also leaves behind many cherished friends and a collection of "adopted grandchildren" who were welcomed into the family and loved as his own. 
Preceding him in death were his sisters, Marilyn Schultz and Barbara Locke.
After a brief stint in the corporate world, Steve opened Janus Tax and Accounting in Michigan City and dedicated himself to serving his clients and community for decades, continuing to work until the age of 90. He also served several terms as Michigan City's Controller and contributed his time and talents to numerous community boards and organizations.  Steve's commitment to young people extended well beyond his own family.
He spent 15 years coaching Little League baseball, helping teach countless children not only the fundamentals of the game but also sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
Outside of work, Steve enjoyed traveling with Karen, spending time with family, golfing, bowling, cheering on his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago White Sox, and enjoying a Coors Light or two while watching the game. For more than 30 years, one of the highlights of family life was the annual trip to Sanibel Island, where Steve and Karen gathered with family and friends to create memories that will be treasured for generations.  Steve was grumpy, opinionated, and sarcastic, but he loved deeply. Dinner was served precisely at 5:30 p.m., peanut butter and jelly was the only acceptable Friday lunch, and the 9:00 p.m. news was required viewing. In Steve's world, there were usually only two options: his way or the highway. Yet beneath that stubborn exterior was a man of tremendous loyalty, generosity, and love for his family and friends.
A man of deep faith, Steve never missed Sunday Mass. Whether at home or traveling, he always found a church on Sunday. He faithfully served as an usher at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church for more than 60 years, living his faith through quiet service, steadfast devotion, and unwavering commitment to his parish community.
Steve leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, hard work, and service to the community he loved. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and frequently quoted by those fortunate enough to have known him. And if there is any debate about the proper time for dinner, the right football team to cheer for, or how something ought to be done, those who knew Steve can be certain he is still making his opinion known.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, June 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana, with Rev. Walter Rakoczy officiating. Entombment will follow in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Chapel of the Chimes, Michigan City, Indiana.   Visitation hours will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.
Contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, IN 46360.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.