Janet Ellen (Wesack) King left this earth peacefully to her eternal home with the Lord on November 16th, 2024 at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa. She was 87 years old.
Janet was born on September 11, 1937, in Adair, Iowa, to Harold and Edna (Schroeder) Wesack. Raised on a farm northwest of Adair, she graduated from Adair High School in 1955. Throughout her school years, Janet’s enthusiasm for life was evident—she was an active member of 4-H, band, baton twirling, drum major, and participated in both softball and basketball.
A deeply faithful woman, Janet’s life was rooted in her belief in Christ. She was baptized in 1937 at St. John’s Lutheran Church and confirmed there in 1951. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did.
After graduation, Janet worked at Henningsen Construction as a secretary, then spent 13 years serving as secretary at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. For 21 years, she managed the Atlantic Theatre, where her presence and dedication made a lasting impression. After retiring, Janet returned to Zion Lutheran Church to serve once again as secretary.
Janet married Ronald L. King on November 3, 1957. They were blessed with three children: Michael Loren King, Rhonda Ellen King, and Karen Lenora King. The family cherished their time together, enjoying camping, boating, and vacations at the family cabin in Okoboji. Janet was also deeply involved in her community, serving for 20 years as a Nishnabotna Girl Scout Leader, Games Leader, Neighborhood Chairman, and Council Member. She was proud to receive the Julietta Lowe Award for her dedication to the Girl Scouts.
Janet’s greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother. She was the epitome of love and care, always the first to offer support when a grandchild was sick and the first to celebrate their accomplishments. To know Janet was to know true, unconditional love. Her home was always a safe haven, and her grandchildren loved spending time with her. Janet’s devotion to them was unwavering, and she cherished every moment spent in their company. If you came to the movie theater while Janet was working, there was usually a little grandchild in tow as they loved even going to work with her. To say she was the best grandma would simply be an understatement.
Janet was devoted to her grandchildren. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, softball, dance recitals, races, or pageants, Janet was always there, the loudest and proudest supporter in the crowd. No matter the event, she made sure her grandchildren knew they had her unwavering love and encouragement every step of the way. To Janet, there was nothing more important to her than her family.
Although Janet’s health began to decline due to dementia in recent years, we are forever grateful for the years we were blessed to share with her. While dementia may have taken her from us, it could not diminish the impact of her love, kindness, and faith. Now, we take comfort in knowing that she is in the presence of Jesus, where she is fully restored and surrounded by the love of Jesus.
Janet is survived by her children, Michael (Susie) King, Rhonda Walker, and Karen (Bill) King-Fitzgerald. Six grandchildren, Corey (Poev) King, Clint Walker, Dylan (Shelby) Book, Alec Walker, Aryn (Daniel Hilsabeck) Book, and Rachel Walker. Three great-granddaughters, Onna, Emily, and Brigett King, and three great-grandsons, Craten, Mavrik, and Emmett Book. Niece Diane (Mike) Rostenkowski. Two great nephews Ryan and Tyler (Kaitlyn) Rostenkowski. Cousins, Fred (Jill) Hasstedt, Susan (Mike) Hodges. Former Husband Ronald Loren King.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edna Wesack. Loren and Mildred King, Charlotte Ray and Sharon Ray. Her brother and sister in law Harold and LaVerna Wesack. Aunts and Uncles, Paul Sandhorst, Clara & Norton Nelsen, Ray & Lucille Wesack, Don and Lenora Hasstedt, Bob and Edna Schroeder, Marc and Charlotte Schroeder, Marvin Schroeder and cousin Pat Urein
Janet’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, IA, with Rev. Kyle McBee officiating the service. Interment will take place following the funeral at the Atlantic Cemetery. A luncheon will be served following the committal in the Fellowship Hall of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Public visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the funeral also at the church on Saturday.
Memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church in memory of Janet. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.
