Janet Jansen Obituary
Janet was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of her church and community. She spent many years as a bank teller and secretary for local banks in New Athens and was a longtime, active member of St. Agatha Catholic Church, where her faith guided her life. Janet faithfully served as secretary for the New Athens Commercial Club and as secretary/treasurer of St. Agatha School for 16 years, a role she carried out with dedication, kindness, and quiet strength.
Above all else, Janet's greatest joy and blessing in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and cherished every moment with.
Preceding her in death were parents, Raymond and Elsie (Ficker) Reuss and her brother, Raymond Reuss, Jr.
Janet is survived by her loving husband, James J. "Chomp" Jansen, whom she married at St. Agatha Catholic Church in 1977; her three sons, Derrick (Amy) Jansen of O'Fallon, IL, Aaron (Amanda) Jansen of Mascoutah, IL and Michael Jansen of Edwardsville, IL; her sisters, Ruth (Russell) Hager and Angie (John) Rutter, all of New Athens; and her five beloved grandchildren, Alexavier Jansen, Damian Jansen, Zachary Jansen, Sofia Jansen and Archer Jansen.
Janet's life was a reflection of her faith, love, and service to others, and she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, devotion, and family.
Memorials may be made in Janet's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the National MS Society.
Visitation: 4 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and from 9 – 10 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Fr. Von Deeke and Rev. Dr. Robert Koch co-officiating. Interment will follow at St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Joann Long
January 9, 2026
We are so sorry and know that Janet will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love from your Colorado family - Joann & Marty Long and Robert Ficker
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Bob Ehlers
January 8, 2026
Chomp, our thoughts are with you and your family.
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