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 mechanically gifted and could diagnose or repair almost anything. He built his first home stereo system from a “build-and-solder-it-yourself” kit. From the late 1950’s through the 1970’s he was a highly regarded auto mechanic, especially for Chevrolet vehicles. 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 accomplishments throughout his life. Beyond his devotion to his family, one achievement held a particularly special place in his heart. He meticulously restored his 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster, a project that spanned from 1965 to 1972. He was incredibly proud of the car, which he had owned since purchasing it from his close friend, Lynn Dowdy, in 1959, and he treasured it throughout the rest of his life.

Andy will also be remembered for his love of animals, his passion for 1950’s and 1960’s Chevrolets and Corvettes, the strong work ethic he instilled in his family, and his enjoyment of 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 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 extend a special thank you to Dr. Hal Ramsey, SSM Health, and the caring staff at Cedar Crest for the compassionate care they provided to Andy, especially during the final days of his life.