Obituaries : Janet Joy (Kern) Wagner

Janet is now in Heaven making what Congressman John Lewis called "good trouble." Janet spent her life advocating for the less fortunate, the poor, and especially the mentally handicapped. When her youngest daughter, Brook, was born in 1962, she and other parents began to work and dedicate their lives to help those with Down Syndrome and other medical conditions who were shunned from society and shipped to state institutions. When Brook was born with Down Syndrome, doctors said she'd never make it to age 15, would never read and be a tremendous burden on her family and society. Brook lived with her family. She could read 100 words at age 3. She attended school. She moved into a neighborhood group home in 1982, at age 20, and started working shortly after that. It was all a tremendous achievement for her and many other parents who fought decades to normalize their children's lives and futures. Janet worked as an associate teacher in the Head start Program for 20 years and was politically engaged to support candidates and legislation that helped people. And she protested wars and laws she thought were unjust--which were many in her lifetime.

Janet was fascinated with the world, other cultures, ethnic foods, and languages. She traveled with her son Wade to exotic places like, Moscow, Beijing, Paris, and Lucerne. Daughter Keely traveled with Janet to Anchorage, London, Europe, and New York City. Janet became pen pals with friends she made from all over the world and even hosted her Russian guide in her Iowa home, and her daughter in law's parents from China. Janet shared dozens of vacations with her husband, Donnie, including many trips to see her sisters in Minnesota and Florida. Belle Plaine provided fond memories for the family watching Donnie play baseball and softball and also Sunday trips to see relatives after enjoying Maid Rites and pie. Janet enjoyed cards, and occasional games of tennis and golf. She shared condo life with Keely the last ten years or so which included frequent visits with Brook and her group home staff, movies, and family holiday celebrations. Janet was proud of her driving skills. No accidents in 70 years!

Janet was born in Luzerne, Iowa in 1934 and passed away peacefully on August 2, 2022 at the age of 88. She is survived by her son, Wade (Ni) and her grandson, Wayko; daughters, Keely and Brook. Janet shared a special bond with her only grandson, Wayko. They spent time together traveling to the Great Wall, the Golden Gate Bridge and Normandy. And of course, they shared many laughs, meals, and board games hosted by Keely in the condo. Janet is also survived by her sister, Beth Lamb and brother-in-law, Gary Lamb who provided many loving times at 'the lake." Other family members who recently shared good times and many memories with Janet include her brother-in-law, Don Suchy of Raleigh, North Carolina, brother-in-law, Jim Linder of Owatonna, Minnesota and sister-in-law, Maureen Kern of Cedar Rapids. Janet enjoyed a special relationship with her daughter in law, Ni who she first met in 1997. They shared a lot of meals and great conversations together in Iowa and in Xi'an, China where Ni's family welcomed Janet with warm welcoming hugs and fun! Janet had a great life and a lot of laughs with her sisters, Connie and Marilyn, her husband, Donnie and her wild and crazy brother, Ronnie --who are all gone now, but together again, having the time of their lives.

A memorial event will be held sometime this autumn. Janet's family would like to thank the doctors and staff who cared for Janet over the years, including everyone at Belle Plaine Specialty Care for their dedication. Also, a special thanks to everyone at Discovery Living for making Brook's life so happy and fulfilling over the many years. We are all grateful.