Beloved wife of Roger Guetzkow and loving mother of Kristin Whittemore of Franklin, TN, Lisa Mroz of Rochester Hills, MI, and Allison (Joe) Blake of Sheboygan, WI. Cherished grandmother of Christian Whittemore, Alyssa Whittemore, Taylor Whittemore, Mahlet Blake, and Simon Blake and aunt of several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Gerald (Sandy) Ackerman, son-in-law Robert (Kristin) Whittemore, and her parents Irving and Majorie (Mott) Ackerman.
Janet was born on September 25, 1938 in Belvidere, IL where she was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She attended Logan Elementary School and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1956. Her college years were spent at Concordia University – River Forest (Chicago) where she graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She later completed a Master's Degree in Reading Supervision from Northern Illinois University.
After graduating from Concordia University, Janet took a teaching call to Park Forest, IL prior to returning to Belvidere where she taught first grade for several years at Lincoln Elementary School. She met her future husband and best friend Roger, a newcomer to Belvidere, at church. Their marriage on November 25, 1967 at Immanuel Lutheran Church was the beginning of 56 loving years together. After she and Roger began their family, Janet transitioned into the role of stay-at-home mother. Throughout the years, the family would move with Roger's job transfers and spent time in Lathrup Village, MI and Carmel, IN before a final move to Rochester, MI in 1989.
Janet's family was her pride and joy, and she cherished times with her children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed hosting family holiday gatherings and time with family at Camp Arcadia on Lake Michigan. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Her home, both inside and out, was filled with decorations and music celebrating our Savior's birth. A favorite activity was decorating Christmas cookies with her grandchildren and family game nights.
Janet was the ultimate “team mom” and loving, faithful, and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. She faithfully supported her daughters as they participated in a wide variety of activities including high school, club, and college sports. Janet and Roger were always active in the community and willing volunteers at their local LCMS churches. Janet loved her Lord and served in many roles including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Coordinator. At St. John Lutheran Church – Rochester, Janet was active in Esther Circle, Altar Guild, Assimilation Team, Stephen Ministry, Greeter Worship Ministry, and OWLS (Older Wiser Lutherans in Service). She also partnered with Roger in organizing St. John's annual “Praise in the Park” community outreach event since its inception in 1997.
As a family, we treasure our memories and rejoice that she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. We thank the many friends who walked with her during life's challenges and that have added so much joy throughout her life.
Janet's family will welcome all to a visitation on Friday January 12, 2024 from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A funeral service will be held on Saturday January 13th, 2024 at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. Instate) at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 West University Drive in Rochester.
Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church and School Foundation, 1011 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307 or Camp Arcadia, 3046 Oak St., Arcadia, MI 49613.
