Janet Joy Vansickel was born on a snowy October day to Charles and Hazel (Short) Vansickel. They were blessed with twins (it was a two for one deal) on October 25, 1947 in Deadwood, SD. Janet grew up on the family ranch in Opal, SD, where her and her twin made very special memories. She attended grade school at Howell School in Opal, SD. Janet graduated from Sturgis High School in 1965. From there she attended Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell, SD. While Janet attended college, she came home to teach and tutor homeschooled students. Janet found her love for teaching at Marcus, SD, then she found her forever home in the Meade School District, where she never left the first grade for 32 years at Piedmont and Stagebarn Elementary. Teaching was the love of her life. She may not have had children of her own, but every little life she touched was her own special blessing.
Janet was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, and she fought like hell for 9 years until the good Lord called her home. Janet, 73, passed away Friday, February 5, 2021 at Monument Health Sturgis Hospital in Sturgis, SD.
Blessed with sharing in Janet's life is her mother, Hazel; one brother, Charles "Chuck" Vansickel of Sturgis; two sisters, Judy (Ronnie) Joens of Black Hawk and Marie Vansickel of Sturgis; one nephew, Edward (Sloan) Joens of Black Hawk; two nieces, Danelle (Kody) Kanard of Gillette, WY, and Sammi Vogel of Summerset; three great-nieces, Selena Vogel of Summerset, and Heather and Jessica Joens of Black Hawk; three great-nephews, Donald Joens of Black Hawk, and Kylan and Keenan Kanard of Gillette, WY; and a very special friend, Marti Hansen of Sturgis.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Oscar and Juanita Vansickel; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Joy Short; her father, Charles Vansickel; and brother, Merle.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. The burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Delbridge Ministry.