Janet Brucker Herke

Janet Brucker Herke, 93, of Indianapolis, passed away on March 2, 2026. She was born November 7, 1932 in South Bend, IN, to Lyle and Viola Brucker. Janet grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Shortridge High School and Butler University. She was a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Theta for 75 years.

Janet worked as an English and Home Economics teacher and later in life at Kappa Alpha Theta’s National Headquarters. She joined St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in 1963, and volunteered there in various capacities over her many years as a member. Janet was a loving mother and a doting grandmother and loyal and caring friend. No one was a better listener or had a more genuine interest in others.

Janet (or Jan) had many passions in life, but they always centered around her family and friends. She was an adventurous traveler and a huge sports fan, especially tennis, and IU and Butler basketball. She joyfully spent winters near the ocean in Vero Beach, Florida, and summer vacations boating on the lakes of Wisconsin and Michigan with her family.

Janet is survived by her children, Gregg (Malinda) Herke, Allison (Mark) Knuttel, Neil Herke, and her grandchildren: Rachel (RJ) Knuttel Thompson, Emma Knuttel, Luke Knuttel, Adam Herke, Kyle Herke, Elise Herke, and her brother James (Gay) Brucker.

The family will receive friends beginning at 2:30pm and a Celebration of Life service will follow at 4pm on Friday, April 17 at Leppert Mortuary - Nora, 740 E 86th St. Indpls., IN.

You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com to read the full obituary, share a memory of Janet, or leave a memorial contribution to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260-2316.