Janet Kay Kalb, of Sherman, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Springfield, Illinois, on May 24, 1951 to George and Dorothy (Hudspeth) Patkes. Janet attended St. Aloysius Grade School and graduated from Ursuline Academy High School. On April 8, 1971, she married the love of her life, Russell E. Kalb, and together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage until his death in 2020.
Janet worked as a bookkeeper for Atlas Concrete in Springfield between 1971 and 2005. After her retirement, she started bookkeeping for St. Cabrini Parish. She then added another church, and then another and another. Her services stretched as far as Taylorville. She continued working for a couple churches while in treatment and well into her illness, demonstrating her commitment and strong work ethic.
She was a proud and faithful Catholic earning her the nickname “Sister JK” amongst her friends and family. She was a loyal member of St. Cabrini Parish for several decades until moving to Sherman and joining St. John Vianney. Later in life, she worshipped at St. James Catholic Church in Riverton. Wherever she worshipped, she committed herself to the service of the church, to the fellowship of her friends in Christ, and to numerous charitable causes.
Janet had infinite love for her family and friends. She was a caring mother, a doting grandmother, and supportive friend. She enjoyed hosting her family and friends for holidays and special events and indulging them with her comfort cooking – almost always served out of a crock pot of some sort of shape or size. She was the glue that connected so many together and her absence leaves an immeasurable empty space at every gathering table from here on out.
In addition to dedicating her life to her family, friends, and faith, she also loved her plants. Her yard was adorned with an array of flowers and plants that were a part of her. She spent her summers caring for her flora – one full Hail Mary to every pot watered – while her grandkids splashed in the pool. Our lives will be less colorful without having her here.
She is survived by her son, Brian (Julia) Kalb of Edwardsville; her daughter, Brenda (Mike) Carter of Sherman; and four cherished grandchildren: Connor and Kyle Carter, and Grace and Megan Kalb. Janet also leaves behind siblings, Jackie (Jeff) Rocco, Mick (Sue) Patkes, Judy (John) Jerome; nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her fondly. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Thomas Patkes, and her sister Joann Smith.
Memorial Gathering: 10:00 – 11:30 am, Saturday, May 31, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church.
Memorial Mass: 11:30 am, Saturday, May 31, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Thaddeus Adukus officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church.
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