Garbis C. Jeknavorian

Garbis C. Jeknavorian passed away on Friday, August 28, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family. Garbis was born on September 22, 1928, in Milwaukee, the son of George and Angela (Malian) Jeknavorian. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1955. He was elected Dean of Delta Theta Phi law fraternity. Garbis served two years in the US Navy. He was a partner in the law firm of Jeknavorian, Ludwig and Shlimovitz before opening private practice in Milwaukee. Garbis was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1963. He married Miriam Sergenian on April 1, 1967 at Grace Episcopal Church. They were blessed with two children, Greg and Ani. The family lived 10 years in Milwaukee before moving to Fresno, CA in 1977. Garbis was a member of the California and Wisconsin Bars practicing in both states until retiring in 2008. He was a member of St. John Armenian Church, Greenfield, WI and St. Paul Armenian Church, Fresno, serving as parish council chairman and diocesan delegate. He was a 52 year member of the Knights of Vartan, elected Lt. Grand Commander on the grand council. Garbis was an active member of the Fresno community for 21 years before returning to Wisconsin in 1998. He is survived by his loving wife Miriam, son Greg, daughter Ani (Joel) Landskroner and grand daughter, Jenna Marie Jeknavorian, brother Joseph (Odette), brothers-in-law Senekerim Armagan, Robert (Sally), Marshall, Ronald (Alice), Paul (Diane), and David (Rosie) Sergenian, sister in law, Jayne Sergenian, special nephews and nieces, Jim, Matthew, Andrew, David and George (Dee) Jeknavorian, Osep Armagan,Christopher Krikorian, Maritza Armagan, Claris Khodabakhshian, Sue and Jennfier Krikorian, Danielle and Jeanette Jeknavorian as well as many other beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Rosemarie Armagan, father and mother in-law Ara and Alice Sergenian, brothers in-law, Ara Jr. and Daniel Sergenian, sister in-law, Lorraine Sergenian, nephew, John Sergenian and nieces Claudia and Emily Good. Garby was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and uncle. His love and devotion for his family was inspirational. Garby's guiding hand and loving spirit filled our lives with goodness, joy and deep love. We will honor and cherish his memory always. Memorial services will be held at Oakwood Village Resurrection Chapel, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison on Friday, September 4^th at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Gwen Brandfass officiating. A memorial service will be held at St. John Armenian Church, Greenfield at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fund for Armenian Relief, 630 Second Ave., New York, NY 10016, Hospice Care or the donor's choice.