Janet Delores Fank

Janet Delores (Goethke) Fank, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in September 1953 to Wallace and Delores Goethke, Jan spent her childhood on a Minnesota dairy farm with her five siblings. After completing high school and nursing school, she married Joe Fank in October 1974.

Jan dedicated her life to her family, faith, and community. As a registered nurse, she worked tirelessly in various aspects of community healthcare, retiring in 2001. Her greatest joy was assisting in the delivery of hundreds of babies, and she often said that her greatest accomplishment was the many mothers and babies she helped.

A devout Catholic, Jan was an active member of St. Mary's Immaculata and the Solidarity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, Joe; four children, Jennifer (James) Lillis, Jefferson (Therese) Fank, Joshua Fank, and Jaqualyn Fank; 10 grandchildren, Marc, Christina, Abigail, Margaret, Juliana, Anthony, Thomas, Edward, Zachary, and Alex; and 14 godchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 5:20 PM on Monday, December 2 at The Immaculata Church, 701 N. 2nd St. in St. Marys. A requiem mass will be offered at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, also at The Immaculata. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Piper Funeral Home to help the family with the funeral costs and can be made by clicking the link below. Contributions can also be made to the Sodality of the Sacred Heart and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536. The family also kindly requests that you remember Jan in your prayers, especially for the repose of her soul.

Rest in peace, Jan. Your love, kindness, and devotion will be deeply missed.