Janet Vera Doege

Janet Vera Doege peacefully passed away into the arms of her Lord, Sunday afternoon, May 26th, at Lutheran Hospital. She was 91 and lived in Fort Wayne, IN, all of her life. Janet enjoyed crocheting, quilt-making, embroidery, crafts, baking, animals and volunteering at her church. She was a life-long active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Janet was born to Sophia M. and Fred A. Dressler on March 29, 1933. She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School. After High School, Janet waitressed at Tiny Tim’s Diner, where she met her future husband, Robert L. Knepper of Fort Wayne, who was a cook and part-owner. They married on May 29, 1954, and they had four children who survive her, Ronald A. Knepper, Kevin P. Knepper, Karen L. Bickhart (Gregory), and Kathryn S. Hall (fiancé, Anthony Zenerovitz). Robert passed away in 1974. Janet married Barry E. Doege in 1977, and he survives her along with her brothers-in-law and their wives, Phillip F. Doege (Judith) and Alan K. Doege (Kathy).

Janet has several grandchildren, Jacquelyn R. Beemer (Nate), Joshua P. Bickhart, Angelique M. Cason (Grady), Shane R. Hall (Eva), Alexander C. Hall (Tehani), Nicholas A. Kirkland (Adele), Jonathan R. Knepper (Kara), Francesca B. Leszynski (Mark), Sarah B. Roberts (Nicholas), Jennifer L. Tyson (Bill), and Hannah S. Winslow (Rev. P. Jared). She also has several great-grandchildren, Dax Cason, Ziva S., Cian and Lydia E. Kirkland, Jace L., Kallie A., and Kai M. Knepper, Emerson S. and Milo M. Leszynski, Mason P. and Kinsley G. Roberts, Tre’ A. Tyson (Nicholle), Noah W. Winslow, and there are two others arriving in October and January. She also is survived by niece, Emily Doege; and nephews, Benjamin and Daniel Doege.

Viewing will be Thursday, May 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Wells St. Janet’s Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, May 31st at 11:00 AM, with viewing beginning at 10:00 AM, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd. . After the service luncheon will be at church. Private Graveside Service will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Emmanuel Lutheran Church at emmanuellutheran.org