Janet Carol Kestner's Obituary
Mrs. Janet Carol Kestner, age 83, of Grand Haven passed away Friday, March 13, 2020 at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center. She was born April 3, 1936 in Toivola, MI to Joel and Esther (Onkalo) Kangas. Janet, who loved learning, graduated from Jeffers High School, in Painsdale, Mi in 1954.
She met the love of her life, Raymond Kestner, in 1953, while ice-skating at the local ice arena. Two years later, on May 21, 1955, they married at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Atlantic Mine, MI. Janet spent the next 15 years in lower Michigan, raising their young family, which was the main focus of her life. In 1970, Janet and Ray moved back to Houghton, MI, where she became the owner and manager of the College Motel while continuing to raise their 7 children.
Janet learned from her mother, the first female Postmaster in the area, that she could do anything. In 1981, Janet became an Independent Sales Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She quickly became the first Senior Sales Director in the Upper Peninsula, driving a pink Buick Regal. Janet was also very involved in the local community. She was a member of the Power House Teen Board, the Copper Country Vacationist League, The Copper Country Chamber of Commerce Board, The Portage View Hospital Physician Recruitment Board, and most notably the Houghton-Hancock Business and Professional Women, of which she was president for two years.
Janet loved her family and supported them in all of their endeavors. Being a positive role model for her children was her number one priority and brought her much joy. Janet had a passion for interior decorating, gardening and cooking, and was never happier than when sitting in her sunroom with her children and grandchildren while they enjoyed her pasties.
Janet is survived by her husband of 65 years, Raymond; six children: Dr. Mark (Liz) Kestner, Mary (Albert) Mickalich, retired Lt. Col. David (Joanna) Kestner, Doris (John) Hohle-Heins, Helen (Rob) Weykamp, and Ruth (Chris) Groven; son-in-law, Roy Bourcier; sixteen grandchildren: Jack (Ashley) Kestner, Jane (Fiancé, Paul Biedlingmaier) Kestner, Dr. Elizabeth (Justin) Rose, Lynn Mickalich, Katie (Nate) Adams, Caroline Kestner, Eric Hohle, Andrew Hohle, Gabrielle Bourcier, Maxwell Bourcier, Aliina (Reilly) O’Toole, Lydia Weykamp, Alex Weykamp, Reier Groven, Leah Groven, and Ellie Groven; three great-grandchildren: Elodie and Emerick Rose; Isla Kestner; brother, Herbie Kangas; brother-in-law, Billy Andreini, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Bourcier; son-in-law, Lt. Col. Marc Hohle; sister, Doris Andreini; brother, Robert Kangas; sister-in-law, Nancy Kangas.
Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, a private family prayer service will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. A funeral mass, memorial service and burial will be held at a future time (to be determined), at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, MI.
Contributions in memory of Janet may be made to Harbor Hospice https://harborhospicemi.org/. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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