Peter Janka

Peter Janka, age 80, of Crown Point, IN, died on March 18, 2024. Peter was born on April 24, 1943, to Gizela and Nikolai in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Peter completed high school and trade school as a mechanic in Europe before coming to the United States in 1969. He and his friend Stanley came to Chicago for a better future and he quickly found a job repairing cars and was able to purchase his first home in Brookfield, IL. He joined the Local 150 Operating Engineers and retired at the age of 60 after 30 years of service. When you drive past road construction on the expressway take a look at the massive equipment- he fixed it all. Pete met and married his love, Vera, in 1969 and they had 2 children, Janet in 1973 and Peter in 1977. They were inseparable after his retirement- traveling the world and locally. Peter loved to camp, fish, travel and fall asleep on the beach after a good swim. He loved being in the water- swimming in the pool or lake, often being called a "duckie". He loved to dance and was often one of the first ones on the dance floor at a wedding. His most memorable skill is his ability to fix anything- big or small. From home repairs to rebuilding car engines to everything in between- he would check out a book from the library in the pre-internet era and most recently said that he "googled it" and then giggled a little when he said it. Pete is preceded in death by his father, Nikolai Hajsak; mother, Gizela Hajsak; brother, Sasha Hajsak. He is survived by his wife, Vera; daughter, Janet (Bill); son, Pete (Lettie). He has three beautiful grandchildren that were never in trouble with their Dede, William, Hannah and Charlie. He is also survived by his niece, Dasenka and nephew, Radek. Pete valued education very highly, ensuring that his family went to college and stressed the importance of continued pursuit of knowledge. He was always reading a manual, a book, Popular Mechanics or National Geographic. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you help someone further their education in his honor. Learn a new skill, take a class or teach someone. If means allow, buy someone their college books or pay for their tuition. He made this world a better place by learning, teaching and adding love and knowledge to everyone he met. Please do the same in his memory. At this time there are no funeral services. A celebration of life will be scheduled later. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Peter Janka

April 24, 1943 - March 18, 2024