Janet Marie Wehner

Janet Marie (Stephens) Wehner, 89, of Kalamazoo, passed away on December 28, 2022, at Medilodge of Portage.  Janet was born on September 11, 1933, in Newberry, MI to C. Bruce and Mary Emma (Perrier) Stephens. She was Valedictorian of Newberry High School and graduated from the rigorous program at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Saginaw, MI in 1954. Janet’s inherent nature to nurture, combined with her abundance of patience, made her a stellar registered nurse. Her intelligence and gentle spirit allowed her to be an invaluable asset at various hospitals and clinics throughout her career. She ultimately retired as a well admired supervisor from Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital after over 20 years of dedication.

Janet was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her deep faith was the guiding force in everything she did.  She humbly and gracefully sacrificed much of her time, talent and finances to help others. While her demeanor was typically kind and cheerful, Janet was not one to back away from an issue she deemed as an injustice. She may have not been the loudest voice in a room, however, her small stature had an abundance of courage and determination to make change. Although her full life did not afford her much time for hobbies, she was never disgruntled. Her passion truly was her family and she loved children and animals deeply. Janet’s peaceful and calm refuge attracted many to her and she was never too busy to make one feel heard, safe and loved.

On June 16, 1995, in Kalamazoo, Janet was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donald Wehner, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death are three brothers: Gerald, Ronald and Matthew Stephens and sister, Sharon McManus. Surviving are five children: Yvonne Reeves, Debra Battersby, Joan (Robert) Leo, Michael (Patricia) Guevara, Jennifer Guevara-VanderKlok; brother, Robert Stephens; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; countless nieces and nephews; stepchildren: Donald (Deborah) Wehner Jr., Deborah (Bill) Chassee, Willard Wehner, Annette (Duane) Holmquest, Mark (Lisa) Wehner, Mary Hemenway, Kristine (Geoff) Roske, Ryan (Kylea) Wehner; 17 step-grandchildren and 12 step great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society. Kalamazoo Humane Society | Donate (kazoohumane.org) Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net