Beverly Janssen

Beverly Carole (Wayne) Janssen passed away on Wednesday, December 11, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo at the age of 88 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was born on May 12, 1936 to Burton and Anne (Velesz) Wayne, the fourth of six children. She grew up on Lake Street near St. Joseph Catholic Church. She graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1954. While at St. Augustine, Bev met Larry Janssen, the love of her life. She and Larry married in August 1955 and welcomed Christine, their first child, in 1956. Eight more children followed: Ronald, Denise, Daniel, Gregory, Kurt, Kelly, Brian, and Kevin.

Raising nine children was a challenge that Bev and Larry were dedicated to, instilling strong values of faith and family in their children through their own example. The children were the center of Bev and Larry's world, and they worked hard to provide them with a loving and supportive home.

Money was always a concern but they were firm in their commitment to provide a Catholic education as all nine children attended Catholic elementary schools and graduated from Msgr. Hackett High School. Many a Sunday afternoon was spent working bingo at St. Mary Catholic Church to offset tuition costs.

Beverly created a firm sense of order in the home, ensuring her children went to school and completed their chores. There was no sleeping in on Saturdays as everyone woke early to contribute to the household's upkeep. This instilled the value of hard work in each of the children. In the summertime, the children played outside all day, and lunch was served on the back porch, which included peanut butter sandwiches and Kool-Aid. Homemade mac 'n cheese and fish sticks were the standard Friday meal.

Beverly was an excellent homemaker. She grew flower and vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and grapevines. The whole family pitched in with picking and canning the produce. She baked holiday cakes, candy, and cookies. She crocheted afghans for each of her children and grandchildren which became treasured heirlooms. She was talented in so many ways—sewing, cross-stitch, crocheting, knitting, Euchre, playing card and board games, singing, playing the piano, and making home life rich and full for her family.

Summers were spent camping at favorite campsites all over Michigan with their army tent, two-burner Coleman stove, and coolers loaded in the station wagon. Memories were made in Pentwater, Ludington, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, especially climbing the dunes and running back down with the littlest ones. Later, she and Larry enjoyed spending time at their trailer at Bass Lake.

She enjoyed watching sports, whether attending events for her children and grandchildren or following Notre Dame football on TV and the K-Wings as a season ticket holder. She herself played volleyball and golfed and bowled on leagues. Beverly and Larry were always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. After retirement from Western Michigan University, she could be found working at the Banfield General store, babysitting grandchildren, and volunteering at St. Mary’s.

Beverly also loved animals and the family had cats, dogs, fish, and birds as pets. Near the end of her life, feeding the birds and watching the antics of squirrels at the feeders became delightful entertainment.

A master at working jigsaw puzzles, she always had one going, even in her final days. The grandkids can remember waiting patiently at the puzzle table to add that last piece.

Beverly lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. She devoted her life to the well-being of her family and led with her heart in all things. She leaned into her unwavering faith and never hesitated to give what she could in service to others. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Beverly will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; a grandson, Andrew; brothers: Eugene Wayne, John Wayne, and Ronnie Wayne; and a very beloved sister, Marilyn Gemmell.

She is survived by her nine children: Chris (Larry) Peake, Ron (Marylou) Janssen, Denise (Bryan) Farnsworth, Dan (Pam) Janssen, Greg (Brandice) Janssen, Kurt (Jane) Janssen, Kelly (Rick) McCormick, Brian (Lori) Janssen, and Kevin (Krista) Janssen; 22 grandchildren: Brent, Brian, Brad, Troy (Mary), Robin (Dan), Holly (Randall), Andrea (Geoff), Kristina, Cameron, Marissa, Kara (Drew), Lindsay, Karter, Nic (Olivia), A.J., Nate, Connor, Ryan, Jake, Shay, Kate, and Drew; 12 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Roger Wayne.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, beverages, and stories will be shared on Friday, January 3, from 4-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kalamazoo with a luncheon to follow after burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Celebrate Beverly's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church or Centrica Care Navigators.