Janet Urfer

With a ready smile and a welcoming heart, Janet Urfer lived with grace, warmth, and unwavering support for those she loved. Janet welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend. She possessed an incredible ability to always smile, firmly believing that "whenever you don't smile, you look terrible." A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Janet will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

On April 2,1947 Janet was born to Ralph and Esther Thompson in Speedway, Indiana just outside Indianapolis next to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway racetrack in a small, humble home. Janet had an older brother, R.K. and a younger brother, Dale, who is the only living member of the family. When Janet was in high school, Ralph unexpectedly died leaving Esther to care for the family and she learned to value the joy in life's simple pleasures. All three siblings graduated from Speedway High School and Indiana University (Bloomington). While in high school, Janet played trombone in the Speedway Marching Band. At Indiana University, Janet majored in German and English and was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority which she maintained involvement with in the Kalamazoo chapter until 2000. After graduating college, she moved to Kalamazoo for a paralegal position. She'd go on to work for several attorneys in town, including a patent attorney (Gordon W. Hueschen) with whom she spent most of her career. She enjoyed the challenge of the job and especially appreciated the people she met.

One day, Janet was set up on a blind date with her future husband, Bill Urfer, by mutual acquaintances. They first spoke on the phone, which turned into a late night of fun conversation. They made plans to go blueberry picking the following day. From then on, she and Bill did everything together. The happy couple married in 1981 and settled into their early days of marriage in Bill's small house, which they quickly learned was too small. To accommodate her belongings and their dreams, they added a second story, the first of many projects they started over the years. Bill had her constant support, and they made their home exactly what they needed and wanted it to be. Janet was a wonderful decorator, especially for Christmas. She created such an elegant tree that they ended up leaving up year-round and changing the decorations with the seasons. A family member in Switzerland gifted them many taddings to hang on the tree, which Janet loved.

Janet enjoyed being Mary’s step mother and then as “Granny” after Mary and Jeff married and had Lauren and Carter. Janet chose her nickname as “Granny” because her favorite Grandmother was called “Granny”. She was very proud of the kids and enjoyed the time spent with them.

A woman of many interests and generous service, Janet was active in the Ladies' Library, and she served as secretary for both the Ladies library and the Southwest Michigan Pharmacy Association. She also sang in the Kalamazoo chorale and the Westwood Methodist choir. In addition to singing, she was a handbell ringer in the church bell choir. After she started ringing handbells at church, she joined the Kalamazoo Ringers of which she was a member for 30 years. This was one of the most significant parts of her life. She and Bill were also part of a gourmet group of friends. They'd gather at a different home each time. The host would choose the menu, and each member was assigned a dish to prepare. They had such fun!

Traveling was a keen interest for Janet and Bill, as they thoroughly enjoyed experiencing what new places had to offer. Cruising on the Rhine River and in Russia were among their favorite trips. They found the people to be very nice and wonderful, even though they didn't smile. Their Amazon cruise in the 1990s was also a favorite. They camped along the way with a guide and ate the piranha they caught, which the camp staff cooked for them.

When Janet and Bill retired to Bronson Place, she made many wonderful friends who became more of a family than just neighbors. She was a constant in Bill's life; her love and presence meant the world. Sharing life together proved a great joy.

From humble beginnings in Indianapolis to a life filled with music, travel, and deep connections, Janet made every moment brighter. As we celebrate Janet's life, may we find much comfort in our treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy forward. In each moment we bring joy to our singing, ringing handbells, decorating for the seasons, traveling with our beloved, or simply sharing a smile, we keep Janet's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Janet Urfer of Kalamazoo, age 78, died on September 13, 2025. Surviving are her husband, Bill; daughter, Mary (Jeff) Harrington; grandchildren: Lauren and Carter; and brother, Dale Thompson. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 27, at 10 AM at Westwood United Methodist Church, with a Funeral Service starting at 11 AM. Lunch will follow in the church hall. A separate service will also be held at 3 PM that afternoon at StoryPoint of Kalamazoo in the auditorium. Celebrate Janet's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Westwood United Methodist Church. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.