Janet Malpert

Janet Ruth (Werner) Malpert, 84, of Lindsborg died Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Salina Regional Health Center.  Janet was born on a farm southeast of Deshler, on April 2, 1938, to Albert and Esther (Kahle) Werner. She was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, on April 17, 1938, by the Rev. Fred Schwerin.

She attended District 86 and Peace Lutheran Parochial School. On June 3, 1951, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Peace Lutheran Church by the Reverend R.H. Riensche. Janet attended Deshler High School, graduating in 1955 as valedictorian. She attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, receiving her teaching certificate in 1957. She also attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Janet taught kindergarten, band and choir at Ruskin Public School. While there, she was instrumental in getting the school’s first band uniforms.

On Feb. 14, 1959, Janet married Darrell Malpert at Peace Lutheran Church. To this union, three daughters were born: Dawn, Avona and Meredith. The couple made their first home in Hebron, where Darrell was a pharmacist at Christensen Drug. They later moved to Clarinda, Iowa, for eight years. In 1969, she and Darrell purchased Higdon Drug Store in Goodland, Kan. Janet worked at Malpert Drug Company for the next 28 years until Darrell’s retirement in 1997 when the pharmacy closed and the business became Jan’s Hallmark. Throughout their years in Goodland, the family enjoyed many weekends at the lake, boating and picnicking with family and friends. After her retirement in 2001, the couple moved to Lindsborg.

Throughout her life, Janet had many interests. She was involved in 4-H as a leader in all communities she lived and active in her children’s activities.

She was a talented singer and musician. She gave piano lessons after school and provided special music at many events. Janet was an active member of the Goodland Federated Music Club. She also directed various church choirs including a high school youth choir “The Good Life Singers” which travelled to various congregations in several states.

Janet was active in church work including teaching Sunday School, Bible School, Bible study groups and serving many offices for the Tri State Conference in the ALCW. She attended ALC/ELCA national conventions as a delegate and served on the Central District Church Council.

She enjoyed history and genealogy. Janet researched and complied family histories and was instrumental in family reunions. Janet was also interested in Native American History and worked at the Navaho Lutheran Mission in Arizona. She presented many programs telling the Navaho story.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years; their three daughters: Dawn (Kendal) Rohr of Canton, Kan., Avona (Scott) Wennihan of Columbus, Neb., Meredith (Wayne) Pohlmann of Deshler, Neb.; brother, Ronald Werner of Poplar Grove, Ill., and brother and sister in-law, Merlin and Barbara Malpert of Nixa, Mo.

Her funeral will be held in Lindsborg, Kan., at a later date with burial at Deshler.