Jan 23, 1940---Mar 28, 2023

Janet Louise Koperski DeKosky, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on March 28, 2023 at her home in Overland Park, Kansas.  

Janet was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 23rd 1940. She grew up in a large Polish and Dutch family built around hard work, faith, and love. She graduated from Catholic Central in 1957, then entered the working world and traveled the country. She lived in Chicago and Winston-Salem, NC before moving to Kansas City more than 40 years ago. Along the way, she was a runway model, beauty pageant winner, interior designer, passionate KU/KC Sports fan, avid tennis player, and world class bridge player. Janet was a lover of life, had a fantastic sense of humor, and loved meeting new people. She lit up every room that she entered. Janet’s family meant everything to her. She cherished visiting relatives in Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California. More than anything else, Janet’s grandchildren brought her so much pride and joy. 

Janet is survived by her husband of 25 years, Robert DeKosky; children, George Meeter, Greg (Kelly) Meeter, Vanessa (Justin) Watkins, Aaron (Holly) DeKosky, Brandon DeKosky, and Bryn (Corbin) DeKosky Knollman; grandchildren, Jackson, Sydney, Mac, Alexander, William, Hazel, and Elijah. Also surviving are her siblings, Elizabeth VanValkenberg, James (Deb) Koperski, Barbara Braak, Robert (Diane) Koperski, Rose Scharphorn, Susan (Evert) Jelsma; and countless nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Winneda Koperski, siblings Richard (Maureen) Koperski, Mary Lou (Larry) Antecki, Jack (Helen) Koperski, Patricia (Pete) Proulx and Dolores (Gordon) Skoboda. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas with Pastor Jeff Prothro as celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service and a luncheon and procession to Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas will follow. For those that wish to make memorial contributions, direct these to Children’s Mercy Kansas City: https://support.childrensmercy.org/JanetDeKosky or https://supportfibromyalgia.org/.



Condolences

Kim Savage Mar 31, 2023

Brother in laws Mom ,Jenks ,Oklahoma

Your sweet smile, joy for life and pure kindness will be missed. I love you. Kim

Megan (Charlton) Miller Mar 31, 2023

Vanessa & family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Janet was always so fun & kind. Sounds like she left behind such a large and loving family. She will be greatly missed. Take care of yourselves, Megan

Jackie Jonkman Del Raso Mar 31, 2023

Cousin ,Grand Rapids ,Michigan

Sincere condolences to Bob, George, Greg, Vanessa, and family as well as Janet’s siblings. We were looking so forward to her plans for a Michigan visit this summer. Her joyful spirit will sincerely be greatly missed. There are so many memories of her beauty, grace, and love of family that will be cherished until we meet again. Rest easy living cousin.

Patricia Wilder Mar 31, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Vanessa, Our sympathy on the loss of your Mother. Mom's and daughters have that special bond you will dearly miss. Take care of yourself during this sad time. Dan and Pat Wilder

Jeanette Mar 31, 2023

Friend of her sister ,Grand Rapids ,Michigan

I am so sorry for the loss of your sister, Barb, sending love and hugs.

Linda Witz Mar 31, 2023

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Bob, Vanessa & family, your family is in our prayers during this difficult time. Dianne, Janet, Roxann, Janey & I used to meet for happy hour to celebrate birthdays or just catch up. They were fun times & now we’ve lost two of the group. I’m sorry for your loss & wish you all comfort & peace Linda & family

Carrie Koperski Apr 01, 2023

Niece ,Renton ,Washington

I will always remember your Mom, Vanessa, and the fun times we had whenever we got to visit her both before you were born and afterward. I’m so thankful we got to come to Kansas to see you all a few years ago and pray that one of these times we will either catch up in Michigan or come see you again. Either way, I thank God for your Mom’s love and understanding all these years. Thank you for the prompt to call her recently. She was so grateful for God’s blessings in her life and I loved listening to her share that with me. May you all be blessed with comfort and peace.

Vicky Hestad Apr 02, 2023

Dear Bob and family, so very sorry for your loss. Sending warm wishes during this hard time. Vicky and David Hestad

Marlen Villeda Apr 03, 2023

My dear Janet, I will always remember your smile and positive energy, full of light , always friendly with every one, we had many talk and laugh, you will be missed, until we see each other again , love your friend and hairdresser , Marlen

Syd and Karen Sincock Apr 06, 2023

Vanessa's Uncle and Aunt ,Galena ,Illinois

So sorry to hear about your Mom Vanessa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time

Ciruzzi Maria Susana Apr 13, 2023

As my grandpa taught me: eternity only exists in the hearts of our loved ones and in the memory we leave in them. Beautiful words to remember who has entered eternity. A warm hug to you Vanessa and your family. Suzie.

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