Janice Staerkel 1948-2020

Janice Marie Staerkel, 72, of Hoyt, passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

She was born on Feb. 4, 1948 in Ware, Mass., the daughter of Willis H. and Mary Elizabeth (Perry) Wagner. Janice was a 1966 Topeka High School graduate.

Janice was a homemaker and worked at various jobs over the years. She enjoyed sewing, flower and vegetable gardening, playing and teaching piano and doing crafts. She loved people and animals and was a volunteer for the Helping Hands Humane Society. She was a member of the Hoyt Baptist Church.

She married H. Fred Staerkel Jr. on July 21, 1966, in Topeka. He survives.

She is also survived by four children, Dawn Staerkel, Todd (Heidi) Staerkel, Cynthia Staerkel and Matt Staerkel; six grandchildren, Rokaia, Zak and Dahlia Aboras, Chastin Anderson and Tony and Noah Staerkel; a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Aboras; and a brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Nancy Scheck. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Roberta “Bobbie” Wood and Elizabeth “Betty” Hutchinson, and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family has chosen to postpone her services until the spring when a true celebration could honor her life.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Helping Hands Humane Society, Topeka Rescue Mission or Hoyt Baptist Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 S.W. Sixth Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com

(PAID OBITUARY)