Thomas Henry Janus, age 16, formerly of Butternut, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by the family, after bravely battling an aggressive cancer. During his short 16 years of life, Tommy left memories with many people by displaying an extremely strong will to live no matter what was ahead of him. He was very gentle, kind, and humble yet braver and stronger than many. He fought till the end.
Tommy was born on September 11, 2007 in Oak Lawn, Illinois to his parents Waldemar and Anna Janus and became a younger brother to Joey. Even before his birth, he was under medical care enduring multiple complex heart procedures and surgeries. Each time he beat the odds and fought hard to heal, get better and stronger. Last June, Tommy received a lifesaving heart transplant complicated by lymphoma cancer diagnosis.
Tommy experienced life in Illinois and Wisconsin living in the city, country, and North Woods God’s Country. He loved many things constantly discovering new ideas, hobbies, interests, culinary tastes, and talents which included video gaming and multimedia as well as nature. He truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends either in person or online never asking for a lot.
Tommy is survived by his parents Waldemar and Anna Janus of Chippewa Falls, his brother Joseph Janus, paternal grandmother Wiktoria Janus, numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces and friends in the United States and Poland. He also will be missed by his favorite cat Garfield and other pets at home.
He was proceeded in death by paternal grandfather Witold Janus and both maternal grandparents Michal and Maria Bohojlo in Poland.
Family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to all staff and medical care team and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and in Eau Claire, WI as well as Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. Thank you for your care!
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at the funeral home from 4-8 pm. There will be no visitation time prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday. Memorial Mass will take place at 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 117 Allen St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 with The Very Rev. Jesse Burish officiating. Inurnment will take place immediately following the Mass on Wednesday, in the Hope Catholic Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be given in Thomas’ name to the Ronald McDonald house, 850 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.Hulke Family
Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.
