In loving memory of

Michael Janzen
August 18, 1969 - December 15, 2014

December 15, 2014 at age 45 following a traumatic brain injury. Survived by his loving parents, Arthur and Linda Janzen, sister Audra (Eric) Schmitt, sister Lyndsay Janzen, and nephews, David, Ian and Colton. Michael graduated from Greece Arcadia High School in 1987. He was a talented saxophone player with the school's wind ensemble and jazz band. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology where he also received his private and commercial pilot licenses. Many people would say that Michael sought adventure. In addition to flying planes, he loved racing motorcycles, riding mountain bikes and surfing. While living in San Diego from 1997 to 2011, he could be found riding waves in several places; his favorite spot was Huntington Beach. Michael loved the ocean and one of his travel highlights was his snorkeling trip to Fiji. He returned to Rochester to be closer to his family and friends whom he loved unconditionally. Michael looked forward to his long distance motorcycle trips to New England and golf outings with his close circle of friends. His family, as well as his friends in both San Diego and Rochester, will remember him as a fiercely loyal and generous person. Michael's faithful miniature pinscher Deebo, will miss jumping into his arms. The Janzen family would like to thank everyone at Rochester General Hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network in Michael's honor. Calling hours are from 4-7 PM on Friday (12/19) at the Bartolomeo and Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane in Greece. A private funeral service will be held at the request of the family.

Tributes

Chad Starr wrote on Jun 22, 2017:

"One of the songs Mike and I were working on before he moved back East from San Diego. Supernatural - SoundCloud Listen to Supernatural by MichaelJanzen101 #np on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/michael-janzen-2/supernatural"

Chad Starr wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"Mike.....man! Life can be so fragile. There are very people in this World I would have grown closer in friendship with and Mike was one of them. Sad to just now hear the news of his loss....my loss and all of those who loved him. My eyes are blurred as I write this. Funny after a couple years gone, the pain can still have so much impact. I met Mike at Atlas Integrated Systems in San diego installing fiber optics. Mike and I hit the great desert where he let me borrow his 250 2-stroke with a rear paddle tire for the 1st time. What a thrill. He borrowed his friend's 450 with a paddle. We gave it hell. So much fun! We even wrote Music together. I think some of our music is still on www.soundcloud.com. He played rythem Guitar. He loved his guitars. Good dude. I miss Mike. Hey Mike.....don't worry about returning my calls...i get it now. RIP brother and may the Lord except you as you are and I'll see you on the other side. Love, Your friend Chad Starr. 2017"

Steven Hundley - San Diego, CA wrote on Jan 17, 2015:

"I worked with Mike in San Diego for a few years in the early 2000's and kept in touch when he moved on to Bechtel. From the moment I met him I knew he was someone special. Mike always gave everything 100% with a smile both at work and in his personal life. I was shocked and now deeply sad to hear of his passing especially at such a young age. You will be missed..."

Nick Moceri III wrote on Jan 2, 2015:

"My heartfelt condolences to the Janzen Family, Mike was so full of life, he will be missed and remembered fondly by all."

Petrocelli family wrote on Dec 29, 2014:

"Our deepest sorrow and condolences go out to the family. Mike loved life and people, he will truly be missed..."

Ron Applegate wrote on Dec 28, 2014:

"Feel the presents of his soul which is ALWAYS with you God bless all of you."

Robert Sears wrote on Dec 28, 2014:

"In our hearts and prayers."

Holly Stettner wrote on Dec 27, 2014:

"Audra, Linda, Art and Family... So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time."

Ellen Powers wrote on Dec 21, 2014:

"Linda and Family - Extending my deepest sympathy to you and your family for your profound loss."

Louis F. Bieck III and Family wrote on Dec 20, 2014:

"It was with great sadness that I learned of Michael's passing; please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will always remember and cherish the wonderful memories I have growing up together on Frandee Lane. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God Bless!"

Betsy Morgan wrote on Dec 19, 2014:

"My deepest sympathies to a most loving and kind family. I will always think of him as my "adopted little brother" growing up in the wonderful Janzen house. Whether he was with me watching cartoons, playing outside, or showing off his soccer skills, he always had a kind smile for his big sister's friend. Michael's passing is a tragedy but his grace will live on.."

Michelle Theo wrote on Dec 19, 2014:

"You will be missed."

Mary (Klassen) Derksen wrote on Dec 19, 2014:

"Your sad news came from Hilda this afternoon. I am so sorry. Our youngest daughter Lily is just a year older than Michael. My husband Peter just died Nov. 15, and Iam grieving,too. But God gave us a wonderful life of 45 years together in Japan, and then 14 more here in Canada. Michael had his life ahead of him. I just pray God may comfort your grieving hearts. Your cousin Mary"

Angie wrote on Dec 18, 2014:

"Michael you will truly be missed. I loved our time together and the fun we had you were such a sweet and genuine friend. My heart will always hold a special place for you, even more now. My condolences to your family and although they already know what an amazing person you were, I know that those memories will sustain them through this difficult time. Love to you all and thank you for such a wonderful person."

Kathryn Litke wrote on Dec 18, 2014:

"Kathryn Litke purchased flowers (Medium Dish Garden) We are thinking of you at this time of loss. With love from the Litke family. xoxo"

Elaine Zayak wrote on Dec 18, 2014:

"Elaine Zayak purchased flowers (Sweet Sincerity) May fond memories of Michael bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. The Berg Family."

Mark & Lori wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"My heart is broken for you and deeply saddended to hear the passing of Michael. I can't express how sorry i'am for your loss."

Susanne Litke wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"My deepest condolences to your family."

Lorraine Thompson wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Annemarie Inzana wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra & family - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. May the good memories you've shared with Michael provide you with comfort during this difficult time."

David and Cindy Abruzzese wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Michael you will be dearly missed and you were an inspiration to my son and I am grateful for the examples you've passed onto him. He's a better person for having you in his life as were many other people who had the joy of knowing you. I always admired your free spirit and enjoyed reconnecting with you over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Janzen family."

Dan & Amy Palka wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Art, Linda, Audra, Lyndsay, I imagine there is no pain more deeper than losing a child and brother. We were saddended to hear the passing of Michael. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time."

Scott and Julie Barker wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra and family, We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sending love and prayers your way."

Antonietta and Jerry Abruzzese wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra and Family, We are saddened to hear of Michael's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."

Jen & Gareth wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Dear Art, Linda, Lyndsay and Audra, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."

Laura Reinhart wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"I hope the great memories of your brother help sustain you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss."

Dan & Paulette Palka wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Dear Art, Linda & Family Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May you find comfort in all your loving memories of Michael."

Bill and Erika Thomolaris wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers every day."

Kathy Lewis wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"No words can bring true comfort at this time, but know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers"

Jessica Segar wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra and Family- I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."

Michael and Victoria Palumbos wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra- We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. There are no words to take away the pain but know that you are supported and loved by many. Keep the wonderful memories close to your heart."

Nancy Wayman wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra and family - thinking of you all during this difficult time."

Jen Hayward wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Tracy Hopkins wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your family. Stay Strong."

Heather and Cory Trapiss wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra, We are so sorry to hear about your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers"

Helen Forde & Frank Smedts (Wassenaar, The Netherl wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Deepest sympathy to all affected by this tragic and untimely loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Stephanie & Rob Warchol wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra, We are so sorry for your loss and thinking of you at this difficult time."

Josh & Mary Beth Walker wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Our thoughts & prayers are with your family during this time."

Paul & Amy Zelter wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"We are going to miss you brother...So many great times in my life were spent with you and our little 'brotherhood" of true friends. The memories and photos will last us forever but missing that smile and passion you had for life will be tough. I will take comfort in knowing that whenever or wherever we ride you will be there with us. Ride on brother Mike......."

Carol Zogby wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and also being sent to heaven with Michael."

Roger DeBell wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Dear Audra and Family, Please know that you are held in my thoughts and prayers. With sincere condolences, Roger"

Eric & Susan Miltsch wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Mike, you will always have the highest spot in our hearts and in our memories. Having you as my best friend has been the most fortunate thing any friend could ever ask for. Thank you for everything you've ever done for me; your kindness, humility and thoughtfulness of others inspired everyone you met - and will continue on as others pay it forward in your memory. We will always love you and will never forget the incredible lifetime of experiences we shared. You are simply amazing. Get some rest now my friend:) (I miss you so much already)"

Kim Morey wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra - There truly are no words. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers constantly!"

Eileen and Victor Ferreira (Wassenaar, Netherlands wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Our sincerest condolences to all in the Janzen family. We wish you strength at this very sad time."

Jessica Wojcik wrote on Dec 17, 2014:

"Audra and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers."

Gordie and Kitty Franza wrote on Dec 16, 2014:

"Sending our prayers"

Kathy Winghart wrote on Dec 16, 2014:

"Thinking of you and your family."

Kim Verdi Manley wrote on Dec 16, 2014:

"Love from my heart to yours."