Janice Berchelmann

Janice Elizabeth Berchelmann (née Harper)

Born October 18, 1950, passed away July 28, 2021.

Jan was born in Kansas City, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents, John William Harper and June Elizabeth Manning; and her husband, August Joseph Berchelmann.

She is survived by her sisters Debbie (Ted), Patty (Dennis); sons Will (Jeff) and Greg (Kathleen); daughter Susan (Mark); nine grandkids; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jan was a kind and loving mother to her kids, a doting grandmother who adored her grandkids, and a reliable source of advice, insight, and snappy wit to her family, friends, and co-workers. She was a mom of three, but a parent to countless others. She touched their lives as PTO President, Mother’s Club President, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Baseball Booster Club Leader, the head of many grade school holiday parties, President of multiple Lindbergh High School “Project Graduations,” leader of multiple Lindbergh Craft Fairs, a member of her Church’s Welcoming Committee, and Board Member of the Primrose Foundation – a non-profit focused on children whose lives were molded by their experiences in orphanages and the foster care system.

Jan’s selfless nature embodied a magnetism that drew innumerable guests into her home, where she would host parties, dinners, gatherings, and celebrations with folks from all walks of life. She welcomed exchange students from China, Australia, and France, as she fervently believed in the enlightening power of cultural enrichment. This led her to explore the world, traveling as often as she could to nearly every corner of the globe. Her thirst for Life’s riches meant she easily forged friendly (and often lasting) connections with the warm-hearted souls she encountered on those journeys.

Jan made the most of every moment. She was a passionate gardener who spent hours working in her yard, which she pridefully curated for the seasons. Her participation in dinner clubs and knack for holiday baking par excellence were natural extensions of her enviable talents in the culinary arts. Jan was a proud graduate of the University of Texas. As an avid reader, she was a member of numerous book clubs. She even appeared on an episode of Antiques Roadshow. Nonetheless, she still found time to savor the peace and tranquility she felt while knitting many a beautiful baby blanket for friends and family members. In many respects, that knitting was a metaphor for her entire life. She stitched together an aura of kindness, friendship, and fun that she bestowed upon all she met. Jan will be sorely missed, but her memory will live forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate an act of kindness be performed in Jan’s memory or memorials to a charitable cause of your choice.

Services: Visitation Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church (11910 Eddie and Park Rd., 63126). Funeral Mass to immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment St. Lucas Cemetery (11735 Denney Rd., 63126.) For those out of town or unable to attend the Mass, a live stream will be available. An online link will be posted when available.