Obituary of Janet A. Steffes
Janet A. Steffes of Elwood, IL passed from this life unexpectedly at home Sunday, January 24, 2021, on her 67th birthday. She was born in Joliet and had lived in the area her entire life. She was a graduate of Joliet West High School and Joliet Junior College where she earned an Associate Degree in the Arts.
She is the beloved wife of 45 years to Dale M. Steffes whom she married on February 7, 1976. Loving mother of Christi (David) Benson, Tad (Nicole) Steffes, Jodi Steffes, Molli (Christopher) Salzman and Jake (Raechel) Steffes; proud and devoted “Gramma” of Anna, Jack, Kyle, Ben, Zackary, Kara, Charlie, Vivian, Maggie, Waylon, and Savannah (due in March). Also, surviving are her siblings and in-laws.
Preceded in death by her parents, Patricia and William Burkhardt.
Jan possessed a creative flair and truly enjoyed her God-given talent as an artist. Some other passions of hers were gardening, canning, baking, collecting antiques, being a room mom, designing her own Christmas cards and birth announcements, and hosting festive parties her family will remember forever. Her most favorite role was being “Gramma Jan” to her beloved grandchildren. They are lucky to have many memories of face painting, sleepovers, homemade cinnamon rolls, elaborately wrapped presents, decorated holiday parties…especially the yearly Christmas display, family vacations, swimming & pizza parties, scavenger hunts, gator rides, mulberry picking, and just time spent with her. Family meant everything to Jan. She will be sorely missed.
Per Jan’s wish, cremation rites have been accorded and services were held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name on behalf of her nephew Scott Lenz can be made to OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois: https://www.osfhealthcarefoundation.org/childrens-hospital-illinois-donation-form/ or mail to, OSF Healthcare Foundation, Children’s Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, IL 61637
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
