Janet V. Gardner

Janet V. Gardner, née Kreitz, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on July 2, 2026, in Ballwin, Missouri, at the age of 85. Born on October 2, 1940, in Saint Louis City, Missouri, Janet’s long and fulfilling life was marked by devotion to family and steadfastness of spirit.

Janet was the beloved wife of the late Al Gardner, was the darling daughter of the late Peter and Laverne (nee Leeker) Kreitz and her brother, the late Daniel Kreitz and her sister the late Jackie (John) Gasparotto. From her earliest years in St. Louis, she was known for her kindness, strength, and ability to bring those around her together.

Throughout her life, Janet’s primary dedication was to her family—a role she embraced with warmth and grace. She was a devoted mother to her loving children: her son Mike (Cindy) Gardner, her daughter Linda (Dan) Cooke, her daughter Donna (Mark) Glon, and her daughter Pam Gardner.

Janet was a cherished grandmother, leaving lasting love and treasured memories to her grandchildren: Cody (Hannah) Gardner, Marissa (Joe) Lloyd, Chad (Jennifer) Vineyard, Shannyn May Vineyard, Tanner (Lexi) Cooke, Delaney (Tyler) Hansen, Landon (Tessa) Cooke, Caden (Martina) Cooke, Brendon Glon, Amanda (Jared) Drum, Brady Glon, and Ashlyn Glon. Her legacy continues to grow through her adored great-grandchildren: Ellie Gardner, Knox Gardner, Kyra Vineyard, Decklan Vineyard, Sterling May, Pierce May, Charlotte May, Rayna Drum, Janson Drum, Darla Drum, and Sadie Glon. Janet's fond childhood memories will be remembered and treasured with her siblings Gerry (the late Rogers) Robinson and Diana (the late Joe) LoPiccolo; and loved by numerous other family members and friends.

Janet found her passion doing volunteer work with Circle of concern, St Claire Hospital and at her Parish Church Sacred Heart. She was a devoted member of her card club in the evening with family and friends and would meet regularly.  Janet recently added playing the card game canasta during the day with dear friends she met. You could often find her curled up with a good book, lost in the pages of her latest read. As a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis Cardinals, and an admirer of Elvis, Janet's enthusiasms were as genuine as her spirit. She cherished traveling with friends and family, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come, and found peace in the beauty of flowers and nature.

An accomplished athlete in her own right, Janet was a Women's City County Softball Champion who enjoyed playing both softball and volleyball. Her competitive spirit was matched only by her generous heart. Janet cherished being her grandchildren's biggest cheerleader, never missing an opportunity to stand on the sidelines, beaming with pride at their sports games and activities. In the kitchen, she was an avid baker whose specialty cookies brought smiles to countless faces and became a beloved tradition at family gatherings.

Janet’s presence brought comfort and joy to those who knew her, and her memory will endure in the hearts of her family and friends. The values she instilled in her children and grandchildren are a testament to a life lived with integrity, compassion, and selfless love.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Janet’s life at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 17 Ann Ave, Valley Park, MO 63088. Visitation will be held on July 7, 2026, from 9:15 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 7030 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in honor of Janet to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Children's Hospital.

Janet V. Gardner’s life was one of deep love and commitment to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.