Barbara Ruth Janus

Barbara Ruth (Sorensen) Janus, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on November 13, 2020.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Henry "Hank" F. Janus.

Barbara was born on June 20, 1931 in Chicago, IL—the daughter of the late Harold G. Sorensen and Ruth (Knutson) Sorensen. She graduated from Steinmetz High School and from Illinois Masonic Hospital, School of Nursing in Chicago. She was a nurse at Masonic Hospital and at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

Barbara did volunteer work at LOGAN Industries in the service guild. She was a member of the South Bend Art League. Barbara served on the altar guild at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She also served on the member service committee for Christ the King Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed meeting with her sewing group of friends.

She is survived by her three children: Neal (Denise) Janus of Rochester Hills, MI; Beth Ann “Buffy” (Fred) Davis of Boardman, OH; and Julie (Dan) Crimmins of Bridgman, MI. Also surviving are her seven grandchildren, AH (Heather) Davis, Jessica (Ryan) Haveman, Kyle (Aleyse) Davis, Christopher (Emily) Janus, Jay Davis, and Kelsey Crimmins (Kyle Sell); as well as her nine great-grandchildren, Owen, Emmett, Addilyn, Kate, Tate, Jovie, Maeve, Jolene, and Drew. Barbara’s siblings who also survive are Beverly Larson of Elgin, IL; Harold “Bud” Sorensen of Benzonia, MI; and Neal (Joan) Sorensen of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her grandson, Sean Crimmins.

The family would like to express their heart-felt gratitude for the loving care that Barbara’s caregivers provided her. They were affectionately referred to as “Deb’s Posse”: Deb, Aretta, Bonnie, Ashlyn, Brandy and DeeDee.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17195 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN.

To honor the memory of Barbara Janus, the family requests that contributions be offered to LOGAN Center, 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46615, in Nicholas Crimmins’ name.

Palmer Funeral Home--Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com