Janis Hehner Karlik

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janis Hehner Karlik, who joined the angels in heaven on August 7, 2024 in Spring, Texas at the age of 79. Janis was welcomed in to this world on June 19, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Elizabeth and Philip Hehner and sister, Phyllis.

Janis is survived by her beloved husband Joseph A. Karlik and her children Joseph Karlik, Nicole in den Bosch, Elizabeth and Jeff Kingsley. Her five grandchildren, Cy, Dominic, Peter, Emy, and Paul who will carry forward her legacy of love, kindness and generosity.

Janis leaned on the Holy Spirit for her comfort and direction. She was always looking for ways to serve and be the hands and feet of Christ. As an active member of Sts. Simon and Jude since 1981, Janis served as a Eucharistic minister. She was heavily involved in Hands with Heart, counting money from the weekly collection, ACTS team, Lenten fish fries, Bible school teacher, Octoberfest chairman, Stewardship program and Retreat co-chairman for the Cenacle Retreat House in Houston.

Janis graduated from St. Louis University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and a minor in Philosophy. Soon after graduation she took a leap of faith and moved to Houston, Texas to work at Methodist Hospital in the chemistry laboratory. While at a church function she met the love of her life, Joe Karlik. This city girl quickly fell head over heels for her country boy. They married on April 4, 1970 and shared 54 wonderful years together. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to their love and commitment to each other and the Lord. Janis was blessed with two children, Joseph and Elizabeth, who quickly became the center of her world. She left her passionate work in the hospital to stay home and be a full-time amazing mother. Diving in with full steam to anything that served her family and children, Janis quickly became very passionate about teaching and helping those children with special needs. At 40 years old, Janis went back to school and received another Bachelor’s degree in Special Education K-12, and Elementary certification for K-6. She went on to have a remarkable career, positively impacting the lives of countless children and those she worked with. For 23 years she taught and mentored in various rolls within the Klein School District. In 1998 she received the prestigious awards of National and State Teacher of the Year for Learning Disabilities.

In 2008 when Janis retired, she refocused her energies on serving the Lord and loving her family. She was the most generous and attentive Grandmother and Nana, doing all she could to make their every dream come true. Nobody made Christmas more spectacular than Nana. She was constantly surprising the kids and grandchildren with gifts and letters of encouragement.

Janis enjoyed a long and happy life and passed away peacefully as she joined her Creator. She was a kind and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her love and compassion extended to all who knew her, and she will be remembered for her warm and joyful personality.

A visitation for Janis will be held Friday, August 16, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A Rosary will begin at 5:00pm. A memorial service will occur Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Sts. Simon And Jude Catholic Parish, 26777 Glen Loch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381 to be immediately followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM also at Sts. Simon And Jude Catholic Parish.