Janet K. Lantz, 63 years old of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011 in LaPorte Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends.
She was born October 16, 1947 in LaPorte, Indiana, Daughter of the late Jessie C. and Rosetta (Wells) Newkirk.
On July 3rd, 1972 Janet married her loving husband and best friend David Devon Lantz who stood by her side until she lost her battle with cancer at La Porte Hospital.
Surviving are 3 children; daughter Julie A. (Charles) Darwin of Rolling Prairie, In., son Joseph C. Lantz of La Porte, In. and daughter Jill M. Lantz of La Porte, In..
Six grandchildren; David M. (Andrea) Darwin, Jana K. (Brian) Meadows, Christopher R. Darwin, Jonathan M. Lantz, Gage A. Lantz, Katlyn R. Lantz.
Four great grandchildren; Brandon J. Meadows, Jasmine K. Meadows, Brianna J. Meadows and Alexander R. Darwin.
One sister; Celia (Scott) Herod and two brothers; Arthur (Joyce) Newkirk and Richard (Terri) Newkirk.
In laws; Grace (Duane) Lantz, Jackie (John) Steele, Janet (Robert) Schmidt), Donna (Lynn) Warner, Dennis (Leslie) Lantz, Debbie Deckard, Jeff (Sue) Lantz, Doreen (Daniel) Hammonds, Joyce (Robin) Schultz.
Also surviving are numerous loving and very special nieces and nephews.
Proceeding Janet in death are her loving first husband; Julian M. Johnson, parents; Rosetta and Jessie Newkirk and her mother and father in-law Duane & Josephine Lantz.
Janet was an active and proud member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and served as President for nine years (she loved you girls). Janet was also a member La Porte's American Legion, PRCU Club, and Polish Falcons. She was employed at Transporte from March 13th, 1978 to May 11th, 2011 and has served as the City's Director of Transportation since the year 2000.
Janet loved her family, many wonderful friends and country above all else. She also loved cooking for friends and family, as well as volunteering countless hours cooking and serving meals for many V.F.W. Functions. Janet had a heart of gold, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Cutler Funeral Home. There will be a time of visitation on Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 2-5 P.M. at Cutler Funeral Home with a VFW Auxiliary Service at 4:00 P.M. There will also be a time of visitation on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Internment of cremains will be done a later time in Kingsbury Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Please sign the register book at www.cutlerfuneral.com