She spent 53 years married to her husband, Martin, building a life together that grew to include five children—Brandee, James, April, Melody, and Melissa—and eventually 18 grandchildren. Their marriage held many chapters, including a time owning a restaurant together and years when Martin’s work took him overseas. Even with an ocean between them, their devotion to one another never wavered. Through all the years and all the changes life brought, theirs was a love rooted in commitment and companionship—in simply being there for one another, through every season of life.
Janie was feisty but respectful, incredibly generous, and far more interested in giving than receiving. When it came to the people she loved, she would sacrifice without hesitation. She was also the family’s unofficial keeper of birthdays, making sure everyone knew whose special day was coming and that no one was ever forgotten.
She found happiness in the simple things: a Coca-Cola, a little chocolate, a good movie, some online shopping, but most of all, knowing what was going on in the lives of the people she loved. She wanted to hear the news, know the details, and stay connected. Her faith in God remained an important part of her life. But perhaps no role brought Janie more joy than being Grandma. Her 18 grandchildren were proudly and affectionately known as “my babies,” and she never missed an opportunity to brag about them. She greeted them with kiss after kiss on the cheek and delighted in spoiling them every chance she got. Gifts, treats, a little extra money—whatever she could do to make one of her babies feel special, she did. With Grandma, there was always a way to give a little more. And as far as she was concerned, the rules their parents established were largely suggestions. When it came to her grandchildren, there were no rules, and Grandma made no apologies for it. But her love for them went far deeper than spoiling. Janie helped raise some of her grandchildren and remained deeply involved in their lives as they grew. Rarely did a day go by that she wasn’t on the phone with one of her children or grandchildren—checking in, catching up, sharing the latest news, and making sure she remained part of the everyday moments of their lives.
Janie’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so fiercely and the countless ways she made sure they knew it. Her absence will be felt not only in life’s milestones, but in the ordinary moments where her presence had become so familiar—the phone calls, the birthday reminders, the kisses, the spoiling, the questions, and simply knowing that she was there.
She leaves behind a family forever shaped by her generosity, her devotion, and her unmistakable way of loving them. And to the grandchildren she adored so completely, no matter how old they became, they would always be Grandma’s “babies.”
Janie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Martin Jehorek; their children, Brandee and Kevin Beavers, grandchildren Alanna and Michael, Brionne and Mark, Connor, Donnovon, Ethan, Fionna, and Gabriel; James and Jennifer Jehorek, grandchildren Alex and Addison; April and Jonathan Vavra-Fong, grandchildren Devin, Ayden, and Aspen; Melody and Pete Olson, grandchildren Audrey, Emma, Evan, Evelyn, and Hannah; Melissa Jehorek, grandchildren Nathen and Isabella.
Celebration of Life Gathering: 3:00-6:00 pm Saturday, August 15, 2026, Roper and Sons Waverly Chapel, 10851 N 148th St, Waverly, NE.