Janet Wappenstein

Janet E. Wappenstein, age 77 of Kalamazoo, went to be with her Lord on December 18, 2023. She was born September 16, 1946, in Mishawaka, Indiana, the daughter of Grover and Stella (Harrison) Arnett. She was a 1965 graduate of Mishawaka High School. On September 26, 1964, Janet was united in marriage to Richard Wappenstein, who preceded her in death in 2016.

The couple settled in Rochester, Indiana, where they began their first 25+ years of marriage. She worked as a school secretary for several years. When the family moved to Kalamazoo, Janet and Dick owned Dick's Korner Convenience Store in Portage. Janet cherished her last years of working as she spent her days snuggling babies at the Bullfrogs & Butterflies Christian Learning Center & Preschool.

Janet was active in the Kalamazoo Area Newcomers Club, helping set up and attending events. Janet and Dick were members of Portage United Church of Christ. She enjoyed being social and liked spending time with her friends.

Above all, Janet cherished her time with her family. She loved celebrating with them at birthdays, weddings, and holidays. She was also always cheering on her grandchildren at school events and sports. Janet was a dedicated mother and grandmother.

Janet’s family includes her children: Judy (Jim) Praeger and Rick (Elaine) Wappenstein; her grandchildren, Bailey, Kelsey, Samantha, Liam, Anya, and Reese; 4 "adopted" grandchildren, Maxwell Pidgeon, Kathryn, Gavin and Alexis Fiddes; God daughter, Jill Postl; her sisters: Hazel Mohns and Dorothy Wolfe; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, an infant daughter, Jill Marie; and her brothers and sister: Charles Edward Arnett, Mary Ottot, and Tommy Arnett.

Friends may visit with her family on Wednesday, December 27^th, 2023, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9^th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 28^th, 2023, at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Janet will be privately laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, Osceola, Indiana. Donations in memory of Janet may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.

Please visit Janet’s personalized web page to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family at www.langelands.com

Link to the Live Stream of Janet's Funeral