Paul Janing, 91

Paul Janing, 91, of Marcellus, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2013.

He was born Feb. 10, 1922 in Marcellus, the son of Paul and Mildred (Bowers) Janing. He was a 1939 graduate of Marcellus High School.

Paul joined the United States Marine Corps in October 1942. He along with Bud Fuller and John Mater left Marcellus on Armistice Day of 1942. They left from Kalamazoo and from there they went by bus to Detroit and then by train to San Diego, Calif. for their “boot camp.” He was stationed in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Hiroshima and Iwo Jima. He always said he was proud to be a Marine and told many stories of World War II to his grandchildren.

After his years of service, Paul attended Western Michigan University.

He married Jacque Skidmore in December of 1949 and to this union was born four children, Kevin, Kim, Karla and Kerry.

He worked for Van Buren County Department of Human Services for 30 years.

On Dec. 28, 1988, Paul married Sandy Wiseman in Marcellus. After retirement, he grew fruits and vegetables in his large garden and sold them from his stand on Centre Street. He also had a vegetable concession wagon selling deep fried vegetables in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. He was instrumental in building, promoting and working in the “Wild Patch” restaurant, ice cream and gift shop that he and Sandy operated.

Paul processed 100 quarts of black walnuts annually. He was a world champion horseshoe player and loved all sports, especially Michigan sports.

Paul often talked about his father, Paul Sr., who purchased a large amount of property on Cranberry Lake in the early 1930’s. Paul spoke proudly of his father’s ability to keep the property, despite the onset of the Depression. Today, the Cranberry Lake Campground is a very successful business under the direction of Paul’s son Kerry.

Surviving Paul is his wife, Sandy Wiseman of Marcellus; daughters, Kim (Larry) Larsh of Three Rivers and Karla Janing of Lansing; son, Kerry (Lauri) Janing of Vicksburg; grandchildren, Lindsey, Lisa, Jared, Leanne, Alayna, Abby, Kelsey and Mallory.

Also surviving are step-children, Sue Wiseman of Kalamazoo, Jamie Stafne of Jones and Malisa (Kirby) Steil of Marcellus; step-grandchildren, Britney, Aquari, Alaila, Esden, Kaeler, Kayla, Mason, Tyson and Keegan; one great-grandchild, Aubri and a sister, Doris Wortinger.

He leaves a life time friend, fishing and card playing buddy, Paul Hartman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Kevin.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 in the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with Military Honors by the Marcellus V.F.W. Post 4054.

Memorials may be directed to the Marcellus V.F.W. Post 4054 Outdoor Improvement Fund or the Marcellus Ambulance Service.