Brent Joseph Janak was born May 5, 1954 to Joseph and Bernetta (Erickson) Janak in Winner, SD. He has an older brother Duwayne, older sister Delaine, and twin sister Beverly.
Brent enjoyed the outdoors and riding his bike and was an accomplished skateborder. In high school he developed his love of cars. Brent attended St Mary’s Catholic School through the 6th grade then he attend winner public school where he graduated in 1973.
After high school, he worked at numerous jobs including Mike’s Body Shop, Grossenburg’s, Nagel’s Body Shop. Brent also ssold fire alarms and worked at KWRY as a DJ. He started his own business Brent’s Body and Glass in 1990 where he did body and glass work in addition to towing, Uhaul rental and fixing bikes for the “Bikes for Kids” program.
Brent married Lil Engel on February 21, 1976 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Their son Jay was born on August 14, 1980. Lil died unexpectedly on March 15th,1993.
Brent was active in many civic groups over the years including the Masons, OES, Jaycees and most recently the Rotary Club.
Brent later married Beverly Beck at the United Methodist Church in Winner on July 26, 2003. Together they enjoyed attending family functions watching Nascar and taking care of the dogs.
Brent used his auto body skills to restore his 1934 Chevy Master Sedan name “Lil 34”. His car was a highlight of any car show it was at and it won numerous awards? Brent is a former member of “Street Masters” car club of Pierre, and current member of “Praire Curzers” car club of Winner. Brent loved Nascar and he and Bev attended several races included one on their honeymoon.
Brent enjoyed talking to people and making new friends. He rarely missed a family function or visiting someone in the hospital He enjoyed talking to his grandkids, nieces, and nephews in his Donald Duck voice.
Brent was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2013. He faced his illness courageously, always had a smile, and was ever hopeful. On February 18, 2016 was put on the active transplant list. He then moved for 6 month to north field, MN and waited for a donor. While there Brent volunteered at a local Senior Center.
On August 7, 2014 the Dr.’s said he could go home. He wasted no time packing and heading for Winner. Brent’s health continued to decline and the Doctors thought he should be in Rochester so they could monitor his care. So On October 23, 2015 he checked in at St Mary’s Hospital.
Brent spent two months reading through the Bible while in Rochester waiting for new lungs. His faith was deepened and strengthened through it all. He was a man of his faith. Brent told Bev “when I come home, I want to read through the Bible together”. Brent was an inspiration to everyone at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was always encouraging others and excited when his new friends received their transplants. Brent enjoyed all the visitors this last year and especially appreciated the group on Mennonites girls that would come to the hospital and sing to him. Brent waited patiently at the hospital for 11 ½ months. Brent passed away on October 3, 2016, his long, hard fought, inspirational battle for breath was over.
Brent loved his family and made sure they felt comfort through his struggles. He told them it has been an incredible ride. I know where I am going and there will be no more pain, all is good.
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