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Photo by G L Kohuth

NAME: Jake Janetzke
Occupation: Building Services Custodian, Custodial Services
July 13, 2006

If early to bed and early to rise can help people become healthy, wealthy and wise, then Jake Janetzke has a head start on most folks. 

Janetzke’s work day starts at 5:30 a.m. and finishes at 1:30 p.m., depending on the events of the day. He is one of six custodial employees known as the “unlockers.”  They are responsible for opening academic buildings, parking ramps and sport facilities each day, and locking them up again at night.

Janetzke works his way across campus riding a 1960s-era Schwinn Cruiser bicycle affectionately called “Dorothy.”  The bicycle is one of 11 owned by the Physical Plant.

“Riding the bike gives me great mobility like no other custodial job campus and it’s great for my overall health,” Janetzke says. 

“The best part of my job is the flexibility and variety of the things I get to do,” says Janetzke. “I get to meet people from all over campus, and I find that truly rewarding.”

Janetzke has been an unlocker for the past six of his 28 years on campus, a career that began when he was still a senior at Eastern High School.

For Janetzke, opening and cleaning buildings is a family affair − Janetzke’s wife, Sandy also works for Custodial Services. 

When not on the job, the Janetzkes like to spend time camping in northern Michigan.

By Derrick L. Turner