Janet Abel

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Janet K. Abel, nee LePere, 81, of Bland, MO, formerly of Belleville, IL, born October 22, 1941, in East St. Louis, IL, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at her residence.

Mrs. Abel retired from St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL. She thoroughly enjoyed time spent with her family and friends, including the “Fifty-Niners” club. Janet had a contagious charm, a happy spirit, and always saw the good in everything. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, watching wildlife and tending to and admiring her flowers. She loved being around crowds and lifted spirits with her beautiful and wonderful smile. Janet was incredibly devoted to family, never met a stranger, and treated everyone with kindness and respect.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Danny L. Abel, whom she married on May 1, 1965, and who died on February 14, 2016; and her parents, Elmer and Martha, nee Peter, LePere.

She is survived by three sons, Jeff (Laura) Abel of Smithton, IL, Eric (Tricia) Abel of Piedmont, OK, and Doug (Tracey) Abel of Derby, KS; and two grandchildren, Taylor and Ben Abel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Shane Bishop officiating.

Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

13 Comments on Janet Abel

Linda DeBoer said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2023 at 2:20 PM

Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. Janet was one of the nicest people ever. She always had a smile on her face, a friendly word, and a helping hand outstretched. She will be greatly missed. Your family was blessed by her presence. Linda and Bob DeBoer

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Genae Anderson and Family said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 7:02 PM

Jeff, Eric, Doug and families, You are all in my thoughts. I’m so sad at the loss of Aunt Jan. We’ve truly lost a very special lady. She had a precious, God-given gift of caring for people. Being in her company was always like getting a warm hug and she gave the best hugs too! I pray for comfort, peace and understanding for you both now and for the days ahead. I have this picture in my mind of the reunion that took place when Aunt Jan made her way home. She’s in the presence of her Savior and in the company of so many family and friends. ….Love you all!

  • Olathe
  • KS
Tamara Abel Greer and Family said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 12:22 PM

Sending hugs and prayers to all of you. I am heartbroken at the loss of my Aunt Jan! She was a bright light, and I can still hear her infectious laugh! She will be dearly missed!

  • Sugar Land
  • TX
Jean Sorell said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 2:07 PM

May your heart find solace in remembering their light, beauty and laughter of your love one. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Wichita
  • Ks
Jane (Blome) Hamby said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Jeff, Eric, and Doug, So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. When I'd see her at church, she always had a smile on her face and was always in a good mood. It was contagious! She and your dad were good friends to my older sister Anne. They were all in a couples group together over the years. She will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care. Sincerely, Jane (Blome) Hamby

  • Snowflake
  • Arizona
Patrick Abel and family said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 8:13 AM

All my love and prayers. As a kid I loved getting to see my Aunt Jan when I could, and she was a Saint to put up with us 4 "Rowdy" boys banging around her house!!! Jeff, Eric, and Doug... love you guys!!!

  • Groves
  • Texas
Rebecca Boyce said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 10:07 PM

My thoughts and prayers to all.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Geno Koehler said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 9:59 PM

Thoughts and prayers from the Koehler’s

  • Springfield
  • IL
Brooks Brestal said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 9:49 PM

Mrs Abel was so energetic and kept it lively in the office at St Paul. She was a real gem.

  • Fairview Hts
  • Illinois
Diane Reinhardt Mapes said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 9:16 PM

I grew up right across the street from the Abel family. Mrs. Abel was always so sweet and kind to me. She had the most wonderful smile and I can still hear her sweet laugh. Jeff, Eric and Doug were so lucky to have such a caring and amazing mother. She definitely left an imprint on my heart. ❤️

  • Thornton
  • Colorado
Jan Laswell said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 7:10 PM

My heart is broken to learn of Janet’s passing. We were really close friends from our class of ‘59. We were especially close before we each married our loves, Danny and Larry. Janet and I both loved flowers and at one point in our crafting days we would make bars of soap laced with small artificial flowers and ribbon around the edge to hang in our future bathrooms. We also made them for family and friends. We would joke around and laugh til tears clouded our eyes. We could always make each other laugh! Janet had the kindest heart and happiest disposition that always drew people to her. She was her Mother's daughter…rolled into one. We had some special times via Kentucky before Janet met Dan. That’s another story! Thanks to our monthly CLUB card game that eventually turned into a monthly girls’s gab session and then, even later, a monthly craft/ gab session with Roberta Fey leading us all to a higher level of crafting along with Marilyn Merwin, Jan Horton and Judy Saeger. Judy’s husband , Ron, surreptitiously hid a tape recorder at one of the meetings held at their home… and all that came out on the tape was a bunch of friends all talking at once and laughing so hard that none of it made sense! There was a bond between at least eight of us and probably more , that still exists to this day, even though most of us don’t live in Belleville anymore. We grew up together and remain dear friends to this day. Dear, sweet Janet… you are loved by so many…..and….. I will miss your snort and giggle!. Love you , my dear friend. Jan Muser Laswell

  • Bloomington
  • Indiana
Pete Sawyer said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 5:57 PM

Thoughts and prayers God Bless. He was a great woman. He loved her family

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Ronda Tackett said : Guest Report Mar 07, 2023 at 4:32 PM

Doug & Tracey, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your families during this difficult time.

  • Rose Hill
  • KS

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