Richard Delaine Janulewicz, 84, was born and raised in Grand Island, NE. Richard passed away peacefully at his home in Platte City, MO on March 20, 2023, with his wife of 30 years, Connie, and other family members by his side.
After his graduation from St. Mary’s High School in Grand Island, NE, Rich joined the US Air Force. He completed his training as a jet mechanic in San Antonio and Amarillo, TX and then continued his military service at Mt. Home AFB in ID as a B-47 jet mechanic. His crew received the Boeing Service Award for most on-time takeoffs. He was a member of the American Legion for 34 years.
Following his military service, Rich attended Kearney State College in Kearney, NE where he majored in Biology and Chemistry and graduated with a BA in Education. He then attended graduate school at the University of Idaho, where he majored in Bio-Physiology and was a member of two honorary fraternities Phi Sigma (Biological) and Sigma Xi (Research). He graduated with a Master of Science degree.
Rich worked at a variety of jobs as a teacher, an auto mechanic, an iron worker and as a senior scientist at an engineering firm. Rich found his calling when he began working in Health Sciences. During his 30-year career in Public Health, Rich worked for the Nebraska State Health Department as a Health Inspector for 14 counties out of Grand Island, NE and was then hired to initiate a Health Department in Norfolk, NE which he accomplished and managed for six years.
In 1979, Rich was hired as the Director of Health for the City of St. Joseph, MO, where he also served in various government roles including City Manager. In 1983, Rich was appointed as Director of Health for the Clay County Health Department, in Liberty, MO, where he served for 20 years and received Missouri Senate and Missouri House of Representatives commendations and resolutions upon his retirement.
Upon retiring in 2003, Rich continued to live an active life traveling, writing three books, enjoying time with his family, fishing and helping his wife, Connie, manage End of the Trail, a Native American Arts, Crafts and Jewelry Store in Weston, MO. He was a lifelong NE Huskers fan and attended games as often as possible.
Rich is preceded in death by his parents, Steven Michael Janulewicz and Cashmere Delphine (Spotanski); sister, Patricia Ann Janulewicz; granddaughter, Kaitlynne Sue Behymer and two Air Force brothers Irven Lasley and Russell Reason.
Survivors include his wife, Connie (Russell) Janulewicz of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Shawn Michelle Janulewicz of Albany, MO; stepsons, William Robert Behymer II (Susan) of Kansas City, MO, Michael Sean Behymer (Jennifer) of Grafton, MA, and Christopher Chad Behymer (Liza) of Surprise, AZ; sisters-in law, Linda (Russell) Borders, Alicia (Russell) Moon (Chris) and brother-in-law James Russell (Marlene); grandchildren, Aeriel McDonald, Kayleigh Swan, Tyler Behymer, Kayla Behymer and Allyson Behymer and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Rich is also survived by two Air Force brothers, Allen (Pete) Peterson and Richard Aug.
Rich maintained a life-long interest in Native American people and dedicated many years of his life to cultivating both friendships and documenting traditions of various tribes. He published a book, Brave Hearts and Their Cradleboards a Pictorial Review documenting the history of cradleboard makers from numerous Native American tribes. The Acoma Pueblo is honoring Rich with a ceremony of prayers and singing in the traditional Acoma way.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 A.M. Saturday, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Gladstone, Missouri. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends at 10:00 A.M., Saturday for a second visitation before the mass.
