Janet Waligorski
Granite City | Save
Dear Janet,
I remember you insisted no obituary be written or service held after your death on November 6, 2025. But I cannot let you get away without saying a few things about my memories of you. So, here you go, Sis.
Of course, I cannot say I remember when you were born in 1946, because I did not invade your space till 20 months later. But I do remember how you, the first born, “took control of the situation,” in a good way, not just with me, but also with our little sister, Marie, who came along in 1952, a little more than four years after me.
I remember how, when you were 5 and I just 3 1/2 years old, we walked along side our mother, Mary Pranaitis, as she carried baby Marie and you held my hand. We walked a few blocks there in Granite City, Illinois to the home of our grandparents, John and Grace Winklemeier. They took us in and cared for us. We spent the rest of our childhood days there.
I remember you went to St. Joseph’s Grade School and then Granite City High School. I remember after you graduated, you worked as a bookkeeper and held other jobs, until eventually becoming a tavern owner.
Janet, I remember that you were the most caring and generous person I ever knew. Heck, when I was only 3 years old, you gave my tricycle to a boy down the street, because he told you he wanted one. I later found the tricycle behind his house, burning in a fire pit. Your generous act gave you and me some good laughs later in life.
I remember you bought me a winter coat when I was off scrimping my way through college and did not have one. I remember how you “took the fall” for me, when I foolishly wrecked your car. You thought it was just what a big sister should do.
I remember you gave an entire set of bedroom furniture to a relative, just because they needed it. I remember you became acquainted with an elderly lady, who needed a place to live. So you bought a house and rented it to her until, after a few years, she told you she would have to move out. She said she could no longer afford to pay the rent. But you did not let her go. You gave her the house—for nothing. I know. I prepared the deed. You said the lady needed the house more than you did.
You always took care of people. It was just what you did. You took care of our mother through her many years of mental illness. You took care of our little sis, as much like a mother yourself than an older sister, till she was killed at age 16 in a car accident.
I remember that you and Walter Waligorski were married in 1973 and remained together till he died three years before you, just a few months shy of your 50th wedding anniversary. You and Walter did everything together, especially enjoying many trips to Las Vegas and many cruises around the world. You two never met a stranger and with each trip you took you made new lifelong friends.
I remember how you and Walter bought a tavern in Granite City, which you named, “Straight Home.” You worked many long hours there for many years, catering to the many steelworkers who came in not just for a beer, but also to enjoy your good cheer and ever-present smile.
I remember something about Straight Home that you were particularly proud of. Actor Bill Murray, filmed part of a movie called, “Larger than Life,” there. You had a cameo role in the film.
Janet, I remember you loved to cook and share your meals with many relatives and friends. You organized many picnics, “cousins’ lunches,” and Super Bowl parties at the home in Pocahontas, Illinois that you and Walter built and lived in for many years. Some of our relatives rightly referred to you as “The Matriarch of the Family.”
I remember how much you and Walter wanted children of your own, but your body did not permit you that experience. But you dearly loved your nieces, Amie Pranaitis and Laura Pranaitis. And on several trips West, you visited a couple of Indian Schools, where you fell in love with the kids there. During your life you continually provided for those school kids. And in your death you again have taken care of them.
Janet, I remember how remarkably you spent the last several months of your life. At age 78 you went skydiving and hot air balloon riding. You drove a race car at the racetrack in Madison, Illinois and you bought and drove a Mustang convertible.
You said you wanted no funeral or memorial service. You said the whole universe was your church, you prayed every day, and God knew you had lived your life treating all people and things right. No one who knew you could disagree with that.
You were always happy, even your last days when you said you were ready to go on to Heaven and be with Walter again. You relished the fact that your ashes would be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, where Walter’s were three years before, so the two of you could go on an eternal cruise. You were happy that many people who loved you could come and spend a bit of time with you, while you still had your “wits about you.” Heck, you even were cracking jokes during your last conscious hours.
Janet, you truly were larger than life and I will always remember you.
Your brother,
Al
P.S. For anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Janet Waligorski, please send a donation to one or both of:
St. Labre Indian School
Ashland, MT 59004
St. Joseph’s Indian School
P.O. Box 100
Chamberlain, SD 57325
