Janet Elizabeth (Bennier) Petersen passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024, at the age of 82. Janet was born on February 17, 1942 in Halbur, Iowa, the daughter of Marcella and Al Bennier. She was the 6th
child of 11.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Kenneth Lee; her parents; her brothers, Paul, James, Robert, Kenneth; and her sisters, Mary and Carol.
We were blessed to have a wonderful Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. She was always there for us and was very involved in our lives and was the best Mom the five of us could ask for. She taught us how to love God, love others and follow Jesus.
Mom had a servanthood heart and served us well, she always wanted to be a Momma and she practiced being one when her youngest sister was born. Mom said it was like she had a live doll and would dress Gayle and feed her and play with her and hold her. When she became a Mother, she stayed home and raised her five babies and didn’t start working until Theresa went to Kindergarten. I can remember walking home from elementary school and smelling the warm chocolate chip cookies Mom had made for our after school snack. She was always baking, she makes the best pies, chocolate, butterscotch, French
apple, and cherry, to name a few.
We grew up listening to the laughter of my Mom and Dad playing cards with their best friends while us kids would go crazy upstairs playing ghost or flying down the stairs on our tummies. We had pizza night on Friday nights and Saturday mornings Dad would make us breakfast and let Mom sleep in and Sunday nights we would have popcorn or nachos.
Mom was so helpful when we had babies and helped us out with our sweet new born babies. She also loved watching her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren and talked about them often. If you showed up to her house, the grands always wanted waffles or pancakes and some bacon to go along with it. It did not matter what time you showed up, she would make you your favorite kind. Mom opened her home to every family party, and loved to fill our tummies with roast and potatoes, pot pies, angel food cake, fried chicken, butterscotch, apple and cherry pies.
When we grew up and moved out, Christmas Eve was always spent with my Mom and Dad and when Mom moved down to LS we continued the tradition of Christmas Eve with a twist, we always opened presents in the basement and we all played games together, Amber would think of new games each year and the last couple, we play Bingo, Henry was the caller and Mom had a gift room, that we can go in and get a present after we won a Bingo.
With her friends in Lee’s Summit, Mom was a busy lady. She had Game nights, Bunko groups, Red Hats, Sunday Cards, Saturday Card making Class, and Tuesday Bingo online with fountains. She also volunteered at church with the summer lunch program, funeral dinners and was Eucharistic Minister.
During the last week, we had a full house. Many friends helped us out the last couple of weeks, we are so grateful to them. We ended our week with four generations together, living, loving and laughing. All five of her children were under the same roof, all thanks to Mom. It was a testament to the amazing love she instilled in all of us. Thankful for all the things our Mom/Grandma/Great Grandma taught us and the love and joy that fills us all. She gave us a beautiful legacy to continue.
Janet is survived by her five children, Diane (Terry) Hedrick, Mark Petersen, Beth (Clark) Stratton, Rose (Byekwaso) Gilbert, Theresa (Steve) Matzeder; her eight grandchildren, Amber (Scott) Seimsen, Henry (Anna) Stratton, Elizabeth (Tanner) Butler, Maggie Stratton, Katherine (Clifford Scott), Mary Matzeder, Kenny and Kolten Gilbert; nine great grandchildren, Otto, Abby, Stephan, Shawn, Sheya, Niq, Octavia Seimsen, J Stratton, and Hayes Butler; her siblings, Evie Bennier, Nancy (Ward) Greene, John (Linda) Bennier, Steve Bennier, Gayle (Larry) Royal; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 MO 150 highway, Lee’s Summit, MO, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m., Mass at 11 a.m., and luncheon at noon. Everyone is invited, all will be at Holy Spirit.
To make a memorial contribution online, please visit fosteradopt.org/fac-donations/, and under Location select “Give Joy” to designate it to our holiday program. The holiday program provides presents at Christmas and our Mom participated in this each year. Please make checks payable to FosterAdopt Connect and send to 18600 E 37th Terrace S, Independence, MO 64057 attn: Give Joy and designate it as a memorial in the memo.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
To the whole family. I remember Friday night Pizzas. I just remember your family being so loud and fun! Your mom was always baking and keeping up with all of you guys! She will be a big void in your life but it is wonderful how long you got to enjoy her life! Hugs to everyone one!
Kay Dickey Carrico
My prayers and love to all of you. Your mom is a special person. Always there when needed. Her smile and beautiful friendship will be missed!
Roxann Shook
You were blessed with wonderful childhood memories because you had a strong, traditional family. You were taught family values that you have passed on to the next generation. You have so many blessings to be thankful for & that means you will miss your mom all the more. Hold on to those wonderful memories!
With sympathy & prayers, Don & Be Pottorff (Hedrick family friends)
My husband, Charles, and I have the privilege of knowing Mark. Reading about your Mom’s life – all the loving and laughing – the fact that all her family are together and supporting each other ….these are priceless treasures – and an awesome legacy of her creation! Cherish who she was and who she made each of your family to be. Love each other always, first – forgive freely – and you will honor her memory and live out her legacy. Blessings and peace to each of you as you move on to the next chapter together.
Lonette Solis
My Kindergarten classes always enjoyed visiting the library because Janet was so kind, and understanding, and PATIENT. She was that as a parent too, and I enjoyed reading about your great family traditions, and the love that was so obviously there. I know you will miss her so much!
Charlyn Robinson
I always enjoyed working with Janet. She was always happy with a smile on her face. Hugs to all of you.
Elaiine Vassmer
Sending my sincerest condolences to the entire Petersen family. I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Petersen for several years…from high school through working with her before she retired from ESSD. Give my mom and son a big hug…until I can get there!
Marty Marker
I just saw where your beloved mother had passed. I was so sorry to hear about this. But after reading and knowing about her she has an amazing life. I know from what little I was ever around her she was a loving, caring, funny woman. I also know she totally lived and loved her Lord, her children, greats and grand greats… Please accept my deepest condolences.
Kay Brockhoff
