Visitation Information

Richard Edwin Janowiak

Passed away on March 15, 2026

Richard Edwin Janowiak, 74, of Lake Village, IN, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Franciscan Health Crown Point. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vera, two daughters Denise (Jake) Zygmuntowski and Kristin (Charlie) Riva, four grandchildren, Carson and Chase Riva and Ashley and Ava Zygmuntowski; sister Barbara Selenik, sister in law Karen Janowiak, nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother Genevieve (Jean) Janowiak, brothers Stephen and Joseph and sister Kathleen.

Richard was born on February 8, 1952 and raised in Calumet City, IL. He attended T.F.North High School graduating in 1970. Richard became a police officer in 1975 and worked for the Dolton Police Department from 1979 until his retirement in 2005 as a Captain. He received numerous honorable mentions and commendations for his professionalism and dedication to duty over the years including risking his own personal safety when he jumped into the Calumet River and saved a woman in 1982, and entered a burning house to save two children in 1993.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing with his best friend, Quinton Wehmer. He also liked to garden and in recent years took up beekeeping. Richard was very skilled with building and fixing things. He was always the one to call when something broke.

Richard was kind hearted, always willing to help people, and loved spoiling his grandchildren. He was devoted to his family and was a man of integrity and generosity. Inurnment  Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City. Services were held privately for the family per Richard's wishes. Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory- Cedar Lake, IN. 219-374-9300