Michael Chezlov Janacek

Michael Chezlov Janacek, 33, of Cincinnati, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on August 20, 2018. Michael was born on August 25, 1984 in Columbus, Ohio to Robert (Mark) and Amy (Lechleitner) Janacek. Michael graduated from Worthington Kilbourne High School in 2002, later attending Columbus State Community College and the University of Cincinnati. Michael's heart, mind, and soul were deeply creative and equally compassionate. Michael loved painting, as an expression of his heart for others. Many of his paintings were rendered for special friends and family in his life, emphasizing things important to them. He also enjoyed writing song lyrics, and other written pieces expressing his inner most thoughts about the world around him, and his related spiritual insights. Michael although deaf, persevered through the struggles of his disability with grace, tenacity, and great confidence, as he looked to the future with his indomitable spirit and unshakable faith. Michael's perseverance was fed by a great desire and giftedness to study in-depth about those things which ignited his interest. One of Michael's great life passions was the culinary arts. He was especially proud of his most recent assignment to Osteria Forno in Montgomery, Ohio, where he delighted customers with his culinary skills at the Artisan Pizza station. His goal was to someday attain the rank of "Chef" and looked forward to a fine career in the years ahead. Without question Michael's greatest passion was people. He loved meeting and working with others who shared his enthusiasm for life and living it to the fullest. His famous smile will be missed, as will his contagious desire to make a difference in the world around him. Although it was not well known, Michael had a heart for the homeless that went far beyond sentiments. He would reach out to help those in the shadows of life, doing what he could to help (as he would say) "one or two people have a little better day" because of his generous and compassionate hand. Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents Dr. Robert Janacek and Patricia Janacek of Brookville, PA, and Fred Lechleitner and Patricia Lechleitner of Marion, Ohio and uncle Fred Lechleitner Jr. Michael is survived by his parents Robert (Mark) Janacek, and Amy M. Janacek, brother Jeffrey M. Janacek, sisters Brittany M. (Jim) Perry and Kimberly M. (Patrick Russell) Janacek, baby niece Violet Marie, many cousins and extended family.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Friday, September 7, at the Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1735 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220, and will be officiated by Dr. Jerry Kasberg. Interment follows the funeral service at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43202. Friends will be received Thursday, September 6 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43231.

Donations in lieu of flowers should be directed to the: Michael C. Janacek Memorial Fund www.gofundme.com/zmy99grg