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Ernest Frank Janiga of San Antonio passed away on May 29th, 2024. Ernie was born in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 30th, 1931, as one of four children. At a young age, Ernie and his two brothers were left in the care of St. Francis’ Boys’ Home after his mother’s early passing. Ernie’s older sister helped keep the brothers together, insisting they not be separated. The Janiga siblings were never adopted. The three boys frequently broke the rules of the home, with Ernie bragging to hold the record for most times running away. As a young man, Ernie left Detroit and spent a decade traveling across the USA in search of fortune. His many adventures made for entertaining stories, like his only regret of abandoning his Mercury in St. Louis. In 1959 he ended up in Yosemite National Park working as a bookkeeper, where he met and married his lifelong soulmate Kathleen (Kitty) Janiga. They welcomed their oldest son, Alan, in 1960 before moving to Fresno, California where their youngest son, Steve, was born in 1963. Ernie enjoyed traveling with his family around central California, often traveling for pro bowling competitions. Ernie and Kitty moved with the boys to San Antonio, Texas in 1973 to be closer to family. For more than 25 years Ernie worked as an office manager and bookkeeper for the Community Guidance Center. He also continued to bowl, serving as a youth bowling coach for more than 15 years. In 1998, Ernie and Kitty moved to Kitty’s childhood home on 136 acres in McDonna, Texas. Ernie learned to drive a tractor and chase all kinds of critters. While on the ranch, Ernie had the company of many adopted pets whom he cared for deeply. In his spare time, Ernie could often be found reading or watching a Detroit game. He was known as an avid reader, reading several books a week, and always stayed true to his Detroit roots as a loyal Lions and Tigers fan. Ernie and Kitty expanded their travels around the globe, including Australia and Europe. Over the years they went on more than 30 cruises together. These trips often included a stop in the casino, where Ernie was well known and often greeted at his room by the casino manager. He continued to bowl competitively until he was 89 years old, scoring two 300 games and the elusive 299 game. Ernie continued to live at the ranch until reaching 90 years old. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Kitty, in 2018. He is survived by his sons Alan Janiga of San Antonio, TX and Steve (Margo) Janiga of Murphy, TX as well as his grandchildren Jeff (Lauren) Janiga, Melissa (Michael) Stramel, Arianna Wimberly, and Amelia Janiga. A memorial will be held on June 8, 2024, at 10 AM at Mission Park Funeral Home in San Antonio. In place of flowers, mourners are asked to make a contribution to St Jude’s. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-btn-donate-now

Tributes

Ernest Frank Janiga

December 30, 1931 - May 29, 2024