Don Janecek

Donald Lee “Don” Janecek, age 81, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, in Plano. He was born on June 11, 1944, in North Platte to Karl Arthur Janecek and Sadie Lucille Janecek née Bay, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Larry Gene Janecek.

Don was raised in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School with the Class of 1962, where he played the tenor saxophone and proudly served as drum major in the marching band. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy later that same year. He served honorably as an Electrician’s Mate First Class aboard the USS George C. Marshall (SSBN-654), a Benjamin Franklin-class ballistic missile submarine.

Don married the love of his life, Jean Elenor Cherry, in 1963. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and enduring love. He is survived by Jean; his sons, Daran Janecek and his wife Debbie, and Charles “Charlie” Janecek and his wife Theresa; his grandchildren, Jack Janecek and his wife Hannah, Julia Taylor and her husband LaMont, Alexa Janecek, and Nolan Janecek; and his great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn McDowell, Ellis Janecek, Silas Janecek, and Scarlett Taylor.

Following his military service, Don pursued higher education with the same determination and discipline that marked every stage of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Kearney State College in 1974 and later completed his MBA at Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in 1982.

Throughout his professional career, Don worked alongside many respected colleagues at GE Vernova’s nuclear BWR training center, Westinghouse Electric Company, ITI-Movats, and Framatome. He was known for his intelligence, professionalism, steady leadership, and willingness to mentor others. One of the goals he valued most throughout his career was developing successors — helping prepare and encourage the next generation to grow, succeed, and lead after him. Many benefited from his patience, guidance, and belief in investing in people.

Don and Jean were devoted members of Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney, where he faithfully participated in Bedstart community outreach and numerous lay ministry roles. Serving others and helping those in need brought him great purpose and fulfillment.

Outside of his work and church life, Don had a deep appreciation for classic automobiles. He took great pride in purchasing, restoring, and showing the classic cars he loved over the years. He was also a lifelong fan of John Wayne and enjoyed classic western films. Above all else, however, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Funeral services will be held at United Church of Sumner in Sumner, NE on June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM followed by burial at Box Elder Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or to Stonebridge United Methodist Church.

Don will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to his country, his faith, his generosity towards others, and the quiet strength and integrity with which he lived his life.