Andrew J. Barlass

Andrew J. “Andy” Barlass of Janesville, WI passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born in Janesville on January 3, 1938, the son of Andrew B and Audrey (Littell) Barlass. Andy was a 1956 graduate of Janesville Senior High School. He was a U. S. Army veteran serving from 1959 to 1962.

Andy married Marilyn J. Avery on October 27, 1990.

Andy was very mechanically minded and could figure out and /or repair most anything. He built his first home stereo system from a “build and solder it yourself” kit. From the late ‘50’s through the ‘70’ he was a highly regarded auto mechanic (especially Chevrolet). From 1967 to 1971 he ran Racequip (Janesville’s first automotive high-performance store). In 1972 he went to work for Janesville Auto Transport Company in the rail yard and transitioned into supervision in the JATCO truck shop in the mid-eighties, retiring in 1996. Post retirement he also worked part-time for Don Sartell Productions, building batons from 1999-2023 until reaching the age of 85.

Andy had many achievements during his lifetime. In addition to his adoring family, one of his achievements had a very special meaning to him. He restored his 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster with the project spanning from 1965-1972. This is a car that he was very proud of and had owned since his 1959 purchase from close friend Lynn Dowdy until his passing.

Additionally, he will be remembered for his great love of animals, ‘50’s and ‘60’s Chevrolets/Corvettes, instilling a strong work ethic in his family and dining at the Stagecoach.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Barlass; children, Dave (Donna McVicar) Barlass, Cheryl Farnsworth, Andrea (Doug Peterson) Barlass; grandchildren, Tyler Farnsworth, Brandon (Kalin) Farnsworth, Brady Farnsworth; six great-grandchildren; stepsons, Dan (Jamie) Tuescher, Douglas (Vanessa) Tuescher; five step-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by his sister, LaVonne Dorr and his son-in-law Dave Farnsworth.

A celebration of life will be held will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Military rites will be conducted by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621 at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Andy’s name to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin or the American Heart Association.

Our family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Hal Ramsey, SSM Health, and the caring staff at Cedar Crest for providing Andy great care, especially at the end of his life.