Edward "Eddie" William Janis

It’s with immense sadness, heartbreak and devastation that we announce the passing of our beloved son Edward (Eddie) William Janis at his home in Karlin, MI on October 28th 2025. Eddie, 55 years old, was formerly a resident in Traverse City, MI and moved to Karlin around 3 years ago. He was the son of William (Bill) and Susanne (Susie) Janis born on June 30, 1970 in Petoskey MI. In his younger years he attended GTAC schools, transferring to TCAPS in high school. He was one of the first two freshmen that lettered in sports: hockey and golf. His love of both sports was carried into his adult life. After graduating TCAPS he attended NMC and the Seattle Institute of Arts. At one time he had a band. His love for music never stopped, writing many beautiful songs, several of which he recorded. Eddie was so grateful and ecstatic whenever his best buddy Kenny Olson was in town and he would call Eddie to join him on stage to sing a couple songs. He was born with a fishing pole in his hand and loved going out with his Uncles Bill and Tim and nephews Riggs and Clay. He and his dad also traveled all around playing golf and won many local tournaments. He and his buddy James had an annual TC Masters golf tournament where the winner got the green jacket for the year. For a brief time he lived in Denver before returning back to Traverse City in 2002. Upon returning he worked for Ray Minervini at the Grand Traverse Commons. Later he established his own landscape and snow removal business and it flourished by word of mouth. Those of you that knew Eddie knew that he struggled with the disease of addiction for several decades with significant periods of recovery. Eddie was a funny, kind, understanding, passionate, giving guy who was easy to be around. He taught us so much about being nonjudgmental and accepting people as they are. Eddie hated being defined as an addict, he was so much more than that and fought his addiction relentlessly. He would often say, “I just want to be a regular guy with a decent job; have a woman I love, a family, and a nice place to live”, however, it would take all his energy and focus to stay in recovery to be that regular guy. He lost that battle and we lost him. He was truly a wonderful son! Eddie leaves behind his parents, Bill and Susie Janis, his nephews Riggs and Clay Finch, his aunts Lisa Lempke, Sandi Lindstrom, Vicki Kessler, Patti Janis, Jill Shattuck and Jody Madion along with his uncle’s Charlie Janis, Tim Lempke, Bill Kildee, Jon Lindstrom, Matt Madion and Mark Shattuck plus many, many special cousins. He was lovingly called Uncle Eddie by all of his cousin’s children. When Eddie died, we do not believe he was alone. We know God was with him the whole time, guiding him with his pain with the soft gentle light where he could finally put down his burdens. We know Julie was there too, holding his hand and walking her brother home to a place that is beyond our imaginations. He has been joined again with his beloved grandparents, Bill and Ginny Kildee, Ron and Jane Buller, George and Mary Janis and Keith and Helen Morden, Uncle Patrick Kildee, Aunt Beccy Janis, Aunt Molly Hollinger and cousin Danny Johnson, He was also predeceased by many friends. A private grave side service will take place sometime in the spring and he will be laid to rest next to his sister Julie.

Edward "Eddie" William Janis

June 30, 1970 - October 28, 2025