Janet L. Walker

Janet Walker was the quintessential “Mom’s Mom.” At the center of five generations of family, her door on the farm north of Waterloo was always open, and the cookie jar full. That’s why she will be remembered with such love, missed, and her life celebrated.

Janet passed away on April 27, 2021 at the age of 90.

She was a devoted mother to seven children, Denny (Joann) Walker of Waterloo, Laura Walker from Malaga, Spain, Craig (Linda) Walker of Waterloo, Frank (Karen) Walker of Waterloo, Renee (Mike) Fender from Hamilton, Gail (Ken) Sanders from Hudson and Brian (Tatiana) Walker from Hamilton. An involved grandmother to 19 grandchildren, a proud great-grandmother to 18 great-grandchildren and could not believe her good fortune to also have enjoyed 3 great-great-grandchildren. Each new baby was a special bundle to be held and savored with joy in her eyes and arms.

No activity or accomplishment was too small to acknowledge and celebrate with her beloved family. Her calendar was full of birthday dates, anniversaries, etc. and she never missed sending a card.

As a young farm wife, she became a charter member of the Never Idle Homemakers Club and formed friendships that lasted her lifetime. With her club members, she sewed blankets for babies born at DeKalb Hospital, clothes for the children in Haiti and countless other projects that benefited both her local community and those beyond from years of the frugal use of the resources at hand. She was named Homemaker of the Year in 2019.

Although a 90th birthday party was not possible this past November due to COVID, 90-plus family and friends showered her with birthday cards that arrived in numbers each day and gave her continuing pleasure as she thumbed through the birthday card scrapbook.

She was a loving spouse to Earl Walker for 63 years until his death in August 2012. She also mourned the death of her eldest son Denny, grandson Ben Walker, her parents Shirl and Minnie Wilhelm, five brothers Hubert Wilhelm, Dale Wilhelm, Glenn Wilhelm, Keith Wilhelm and Royal Wilhelm.

Her life will be celebrated on May 5, 2021 at the Feller Funeral Home in Waterloo, Indiana. Calling is from 12 noon to 3 p.m. with the funeral starting at 3 p.m. officiated by family. Burial follows at the Waterloo Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice or the Veteran’s Association of DeKalb County.