In Memory Of
Jana Kay Kerschner
1961
2018
Jana Kay Kerschner
November 6, 1961 — October 11, 2018
Jana Kay Kerschner, 56, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2018.
She was born November 6, 1961, at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Duane and Janet Mae (Lewis) Kerschner.
Jana's father Duane was a career man in the Air Force and her family's travels lead them to assignments in Biloxi, Mississippi; Dover Delaware; Columbus, Ohio the island of Guam and back to Topeka,Kansas.
Around 15 month's of age Jana contracted Encephalitis which subsequently would lead Jana on a journey in life as an individual with developmental delays.
In 1965, living on Guam, resources were limited for Jana. Senator Robert Kennedy interceded on behalf of Jana and was instrumental in having Jana's father reassigned stateside to a place rich in resources at the time for Jana.
That place was Topeka, Kansas. There her family became actively involved with TARC and Jana reaped the benefits of this wonderful organization throughout her lifetime.
Jana's father's career in the Air Force kept him in Topeka and upon retirement from the USAF in 1972 the family chose to remain in the Topeka area.
Jana attended Tecumseh South, Pauline South and Berryton elementary schools. Jana is a graduate of Shawnee Heights High School.
Upon graduation Jana continued to participate in services through TARC . For many years Jana was part of the Self Determination Program which allowed her to work in the community and live in her own apartment .
Throughout the years Jana has also received wonderful support from Sheltered Living, Sunflower Supports, Loving Hearts, Pearlie Mae's Compassion and Care, Exploring Life and other organizations in the Topeka area.
Jana participated in Special Olympics , the REACH program and many other activities for adults with disabilities.
Jana enjoyed traveling,painting, country music , adding to her snowman and Minnie Mouse collections in addition to being a KU Jayhawks fan.
Survivors include her father, Duane Kerschner; two sisters, Karla (Ernie) Haag and Paula Kerschner all of Topeka; her uncle, Don Lewis, Florida; and a niece, Jayden Haag.
She was preceded in death by her Mother.
A celebration of Jana's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Private family interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery,
Memorial contributions may be made to Exploring Life, 1815 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604.
To share your memories of Jana or to leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born November 6, 1961, at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Duane and Janet Mae (Lewis) Kerschner.
Jana's father Duane was a career man in the Air Force and her family's travels lead them to assignments in Biloxi, Mississippi; Dover Delaware; Columbus, Ohio the island of Guam and back to Topeka,Kansas.
Around 15 month's of age Jana contracted Encephalitis which subsequently would lead Jana on a journey in life as an individual with developmental delays.
In 1965, living on Guam, resources were limited for Jana. Senator Robert Kennedy interceded on behalf of Jana and was instrumental in having Jana's father reassigned stateside to a place rich in resources at the time for Jana.
That place was Topeka, Kansas. There her family became actively involved with TARC and Jana reaped the benefits of this wonderful organization throughout her lifetime.
Jana's father's career in the Air Force kept him in Topeka and upon retirement from the USAF in 1972 the family chose to remain in the Topeka area.
Jana attended Tecumseh South, Pauline South and Berryton elementary schools. Jana is a graduate of Shawnee Heights High School.
Upon graduation Jana continued to participate in services through TARC . For many years Jana was part of the Self Determination Program which allowed her to work in the community and live in her own apartment .
Throughout the years Jana has also received wonderful support from Sheltered Living, Sunflower Supports, Loving Hearts, Pearlie Mae's Compassion and Care, Exploring Life and other organizations in the Topeka area.
Jana participated in Special Olympics , the REACH program and many other activities for adults with disabilities.
Jana enjoyed traveling,painting, country music , adding to her snowman and Minnie Mouse collections in addition to being a KU Jayhawks fan.
Survivors include her father, Duane Kerschner; two sisters, Karla (Ernie) Haag and Paula Kerschner all of Topeka; her uncle, Don Lewis, Florida; and a niece, Jayden Haag.
She was preceded in death by her Mother.
A celebration of Jana's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Private family interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery,
Memorial contributions may be made to Exploring Life, 1815 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604.
To share your memories of Jana or to leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jana Kay Kerschner, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, October 19, 2018
9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Celebration of Life
Friday, October 19, 2018
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Guestbook
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