Bruce Walter Lauck-Janacek

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

I remember Bruce when he was 10-12 yrs old going to the Eastwood theatre and signing up for the talent show. He sang “The Lords Prayer” and won the competition! We have a tape of his performance. His mother had no idea he competed. He would also sing hymns to our grandmother who was from Norway, Bruce had a beautiful voice. May he rest in piece. Cousin Jeri

Jan was colorful neighbor I met while living in downtown Madison in the mid 70s. I was studying film and broadcasting as a UW  undergraduate.  Jan's eloquence and talent as an artist persuaded me to join him in developing a startup commercial studio and gallery loft at Gorham and Bassett. It was a prime location. The project materialised through herculean salesmanship on his part, the generosity of the loft landlord, and the goodwill of many ambitious and idealistic artists, skilled tradesmen and creative artisans who all stepped up at a chance to be involved in the glamour and showmanship Jan enthusiastically promoted. No doubt he could sell snow to an Eskimo. The grand opening show of the gallery named Janacek Atelier featured scores of visual artists - some esteemed even then, including some who remain reknown. Unfortunately the featured artists who attended the premier outnumbered the general audience. The business venture was short lived. Jan moved to the near east side, where I last saw him in 1980, and my career steered elsewhere. I thank Jan for the experience in teamwork and lessons in motivation. I only regret we never crossed paths again. By one measure our venture fell short, yet there remain some silver linings. Jan was a most memorable character. His humor could bite but always was witty. He was as generous with his time as he at times asked others to be. Above all he was blessed with perception. He sensed others thoughts and emotions clearly. His ability to draw on paper what we all see was remarkable. He truly was a great realistic artist.

We were fortunate to meet Bruce and Dan, the cake bakers, at our niece’s wedding in 2000. Not only were the cakes incredible, Bruce’s sharp wit and charm were quite obvious and very entertaining. Throughout the next two decades, we used their baking talent and artistry at every chance we had. Conversations with Bruce were never dull and always interesting. His artistic ability was incredible and his sense of humor was refreshingly naughty even as his health was failing. He was an open minded bright spot in the world and will be missed by many. May he Rest In Peace. Roger and Bev Thompson

I was so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. What a wonderful character. I will forever think of him when I hear works by Leos Janacek. Ann Bowen and your friends at the Madison Symphony