Janet Kirchner

Edith Janet Kirchner (known as Janet) was called home to be with her Savior on the morning of Wednesday, January 1st, at the Regency Care Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Just days earlier, on Saturday, December 28th, she had celebrated her upcoming birthday with her immediate family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janet would have turned 90 years old on January 2nd, having been born in 1935. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2025 at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, Nebraska with visitation, with family present, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be later in the Spring of 2025 at Concord, Nebraska. 

Janet was the daughter of Arthur Fegley and Mary (Money) Fegley. She was the second youngest in a family of six, which included her two older brothers, James Fegley and Keith Fegley, and her three sisters, Betty (Fegley) Albers, Ruth (Fegley) Sellin, and younger sister Joyce (Fegley) Boeshart. She grew up in the Allen area before the family moved to Dixon, where she graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1952.

During her senior year Janet met the love of her life, Jim Kirchner of Concord, on a blind date. That first date in 1951 resulted in a deep and enduring love, culminating in their marriage on June 6, 1952. Together, they enjoyed 71 years of marriage, a reflection of their steadfast love and commitment to each other. The couple farmed in the Concord area before moving to South Sioux City in January 1971.

In South Sioux City, Janet worked in an insurance office for Lyman Piepho until his passing. She later worked for over 20 years with State Farm agent Pat Engel. When Pat was elected as a Nebraska state senator, Janet obtained her insurance license to keep the office running. Her dedication to her work and her genuine compassion for people made her a cherished figure in the community. Janet’s family fondly believes that she knew every person in Dakota County and their families by name. Her family often joked that the census bureau would consult her to verify their records.

As evidence of her love for Jesus, Janet cared deeply for everyone she met, from family and friends to acquaintances. Her warmth and kindness were a constant presence in her life. Above all, she loved her husband, Jim, who preceded her in death just 15 months earlier on October 26, 2023.

Janet enjoyed singing and participating in church women’s groups. She and Jim spent over a decade wintering in Coolidge, Arizona, a period they both cherished until health issues prevented further travel. However, her greatest joy was her family, especially her nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Janet is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim (Dee) Kirchner of Lincoln, Nebraska; her son, Kurtis Kirchner of Aurora, Colorado; her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia (Mike) Wojcik of South Sioux City, Nebraska; and her daughter, Joyce (Kirchner) Hammerstrom of South Sioux City, Nebraska. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jeanette (Kirchner) and Dick Dolph of Geneva, Nebraska, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her five siblings, including their spouses, along with her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joanne (Kirchner) and Leonard Hattig.

Janet’s life was defined by love, compassion, and service resulting from her deep faith in her savior, Jesus Christ. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23