Lawrence (Larry) Peter Janowiak, Jr., passed away May 19, 2018 surrounded by his sister Carol and members of his family. Larry was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 11, 1937, son of the late Lawrence Janowiak and Helen T. (Jabczynski). After High School he studied at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Indiana. Eventually returning to Chicago engaged in clerical work. Larry especially liked the work he did at Root Photography Studios in Rogers Park where he resided. In 2003 after retiring, he returned to Manistee to be with family and friends. His interests included English history, Ecumenism, the life and Papacy of St. Pope John Paul II, and genealogy. Larry was the genealogist and historian of the Janowiak-Kukla and Jabczynski-Logodzinski families, researching them from 1963 to present. During that time he found many new or lost members of the four family branches, as well as memorializing births, marriages, and deaths.

He came to know many clergy of various faiths and always hoped that someday. All would become joined in together in one church. At age nineteen, he corresponded with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher who crowned Queen Elizabeth II. The Bishop wrote a personal, handwritten letter to Larry about the beliefs of the Episcopalian Church. He always treasured it.  Being a history buff, he particularly enjoyed volunteering at the Manistee Historical Museum surrounded by the history of his Dad's home town. Helping with projects for Tom Gerhardt, Steve Harold, and Mark Fedder, he felt he was honoring the memory of his father and family. Summer time was always looked forward to when he could sit on the front porch and in the garden. He always enjoyed sitting in his favorite rocking chair and watching television.

Larry was preceded in death by his Grandparents Peter and Margaret, Uncles and Aunts: Sylvester and Bernard Janowiak, Celia Berg, Helen Ptaszynski, Casimer Janowiak, Lucille Davis, Clara Janowiak, Florence Puryear, Joanna Holm as well as infants Hedwig, Blanche and Peter Jr., who died of diphtheria.

He is survived by his sister and best friend Carol J. Carlin, and brother-in-law, Roger Carlin. Larry had many cousins all who were very dear to his heart.  His best friends in Chicago were Rt. Rev. James W. Montgomery, Joseph Warren, and Scott and Lisa Pate. Pets, Scoobydoo #1 and Scoobydoo#2 were his beloved and special friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. James Bearrs Tuesday, May 29, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Manistee at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Memorials in Larry's name may be directed to Manistee Historical Museum or Hearts for Critters.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home and will be available at the church on Tuesday morning.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.