Robert Janett
Robert Allan Janett passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison at the age of 90. Visitation was held Saturday, January 5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville with interment in the Postville Cemetery. The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.
Robert Allan Janett was born February 14, 1928 at Maquoketa, the son of Raymond and Myrtle Janett. Bob was baptized in Christ and later confirmed his faith in 1942 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He received his education in the Maquoketa Schools and graduated from Maquoketa High School with the Class of 1945.
January 30, 1946, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country as a Fireman First Class aboard the U.S.S. Iowa and U.S.S. Fall River. He was honorably discharged November 26, 1947, receiving the American Area World War II Victory Medal.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Bob was employed as an electrician working to get electricity to the rural community. In 1950, he entered the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy at Camp Dodge in Johnston and began his lifelong career of public service as an Iowa State Trooper.
August 9, 1953, Bob was united in marriage to Virginia Brown at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. In 1963, the Janett family moved to Cedar Rapids as Bob was promoted to the position of Sergeant with the Iowa State Patrol. In 1969, Bob was promoted to Lieutenant and the family moved to Denison, where he remained. Bob retired from the Patrol in 1986 after serving a total of 36 years in Districts 6, 10, 11 and 4. Following retirement from the Patrol, Bob was employed part-time for a number of years at the Huebner Funeral Home.
Reading the news was Bob’s passion and when he was younger, he would daily read four newspapers. He also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Upper Mississippi River in McGregor, which they maintained for 17 years. Fishing and hunting pheasants with his fellow Troopers also brought him much pleasure. He was an avid Hawkeye and Green Bay Packers fan and bonded with his son, David, through football. He also had a great fondness for Audie Murphy horses.
Bob was a pilot and flew an Aeronca Aircraft with his brother. In most recent years, Bob could be found making the rounds at the local Burger King and McDonalds visiting and socializing with his friends. Bob’s family believed him to be a part of the greatest generation and he thoroughly enjoyed and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ginny, in 1999; a sister, Dorothy, in infancy; and his brother, Paul. Survivors include two sons, David (Gerri) and James (Barbara); one daughter, Kristin (Brett); three grandchildren, Katelyn, Jack and Emily; and other relatives and friends.
