Rudolph Janota

Rudolph C. Janota, Jr, 77, of Bartlett, IL, died, Monday, June 5, 2017. He was born August 3rd, 1939 in Berwyn, IL to Rudolph & Mildred. He married Donna Cappaert on November 5th, 1966 and recently celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey, daughter, Jennifer (Janota) Poindexter, wife of Mitchell Poindexter, and daughter Julie Janota. As well as his two granddaughters, McKenzie and Rylee Poindexter.

He was preceded in death by his only brother, James Janota, as well as his buddies, Mugsy and Jack Poindexter.

In 1957, he graduated from Morton High School in Cicero. After graduating in 1962 from North Central College, he began teaching with the South Berwyn Grade School District as a physical education teacher, a job he would hold for 25 years. Besides teaching, he coached basketball and softball at Pershing, Hiawatha and Komensky schools in South Berwyn. He later discovered a newfound passion with more hands-on work and became the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the seven schools that comprised District 100 as well the LaVergne Education Center, and the administration offices. In 2000, he retired after 38 years with District 100.


Rudy was a resident of Bartlett after leaving the Berwyn area in 1970. During these years, he also built two homes with the help of many friends. Both, had large lots, so many a day was spent on his riding lawn mower cutting the lawn. Cars were another passion of his including a ’57 Chevy, Corvettes, and finally a Cadillac and no car of his would ever have more than 2 doors. He washed his cars diligently by hand every week and ensured he did not park near any cars to avoid door dings.

Rudy’s love of sports started during college, when he played college baseball. So, you can understand why he was a big sports fan, especially the Chicago Cubs. He watched a lot of Cubs losses through the years, but was able to see Game 7 for the ultimate Cubs win. He liked all things Chicago sports: Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. He spent many nights in his recliner yelling at the TV waiting for a Chicago team to eke out a win.


After retirement, Rudy enjoyed golfing with his regular crew. He also had his daily lineup of TV shows: The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and the Lifetime Movie Network. He also had a love for the Boxers (Spike, Mugsy & Jack) brought into his life by his family. He loved bowling and was in many leagues back in the day. His love for gambling in Vegas or going to “Sears” (AKA: Grand Victoria Casino) was a weekly event to this day. He passed away doing what he loved – riding his tractor probably thinking about his next day at the Casino.


The visitation is from 3 to 9 PM on Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Countryside Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM also at Countryside Funeral Home. (We apologize in advance for Saturday’s time conflicting with any scheduled tee times.)