Mike Janning, 64, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.

He heroically battled liver cancer, adrenal cancer and a rare form of cancer of the gall bladder bile duct. He found out about the cancers on his birthday, May 23, 2013.

Mike was born to Harold and Lillian (Torgersen) Janning, May 23, 1949.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry, and spent February 1970 through January 1971 in Vietnam, where he was a medic. Mike received the Bronze Star for Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Medal.

Michael was united in marriage to Joy (Fuhrman) Janning on July 31, 1971. To this union two son were born, Eric and Dustin.

Mike was employed by Wilson’s Foods in Albert Lea, Minn., until he became ill in 1983 with transverse myelities, which left him paralyzed from the chest down in a wheelchair. He became interested in woodworking and made beautiful, fine oak furniture for his family and close friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandboys, Ethan and Emmy, and Nintendo games.

Mike is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joy; children Eric of Austin, Dustin (Ashley) of Mason City, Iowa; grandchildren Tamika, Dakota, Ethan and Emmett; brother, Paul (Brenda) of Jackson, Minn.; sister, Marie (Steve) Loverink, of Medford, Minn.; sister-in-law, Tina Janning Sherman of Montana; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, grandparents, his brother, Charlie, and an infant daughter, Liz.

Michael’s wish was to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, from 2 to 6 p.m. at our home, 54145 187th St. south of Austin.

Thank you for your service.