Janet Jessen Jackson-Knight, 93, of Leavenworth, Kansas, a beacon of wit and wisdom, passed away at her home on July 10, 2024. She lived a life of family love, education and service to her faith.
Born on December 1, 1930 to Edwin John Jessen and Anna Marie (Busse) Jessen, in Elmhurst, Illinois and Janet grew up in State Center, Iowa with her four younger siblings James Jessen of Independence, Missouri (proceeded Janet in death), Maureen Awbrey of Louisville, Kentucky, Kathryn Moore of State Center, Iowa, and Carolyn Brimmer of Waleska, Georgia. The State Center, Iowa region would remain a part of her identity throughout her life.
Janet loved the Lord with all her heart, and her life was a testimony of that love. Faith was stalwart in her life. Janet was baptized January 11, 1931 at Redeemer Evangelist Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, Illinois. She was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in State Center, Iowa on Aprill 15, 1943. Her confirmation verse was Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Janet blossomed in intellect and education became very important to her. She graduated from Lamoille High School in Lamoille, Iowa in 1948. She attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois before marrying and starting her family. Janet later began teaching in parochial schools and returned to college where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Houston. Janet inspiredchildren to learn and become good people for 28 and a half years. Janet then served as a church secretary for 11 years before retiring in 2002.
Family was of the greatest importance to Janet. She started her own family with the marriage to the father of her four daughters, Andrew William Komarchuk in State Center, Iowa to which she was married for 28 and a half years. Janet would then marry Leroy Johnnie Jackson of Houston, Texas who she loved dearly. After his untimely death Janet would again find love with Ellis Montgomery Knight, also of Houston, Texas. All three husbands proceed her in death.
Janet’s pride and joy were her daughters and their families. She reveled in being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her four daughters, ten living of eleven grandchildren and step-grandchildren,eighteen great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Janet’s four daughters and their families are:
Naomi Ruth (Komarchuk) Matthys and her deceased husband Timothy Ray Matthys. Their two children and Janet’s grandchildren are Hillary Noelle Matthys Walker and JoshuaJoel Matthys. Hillary and her husband Daniel Walker have two children, Janet’s great-grandchildren, James Judson Walker and Michael Ray Walker. Josh and wife Heather Matthys have two children, also Janet’s great-grandchildren, Timothy Beckett Matthys and Lucas Campbell Matthys.
Brenda Sue (Komarchuk) Goebel and her deceased former husband Paul Richard Goebel. Their children are Nichole Epperhart, who proceeded Janet in death, and Seth Goebel. Seth is married to Laura and together they have two children, Joseph Goebel and Samantha Goebel. Tyler Goebel is Seth’s oldest child. Seth and Laura have one grandchild, Janet’s great-great-granddaughter, Layla Goebel. Brenda also has two step children and their families. Jeff and Jennifer Goebel are Janet’s step-grandchildren and their children are Austin Goebel and Grant Goebel, Janet’s step-great-grandchildren. Austin also has daughter Maisy Goebel, Janet’s step-great-great-granddaughter. Kim Frost and her husband Alan Frost are the parents of Janet’s step-great-grandchildren Madison Frost and Savannah Frost.
Barbara Ann (Komarchuk) Hargiss and her husband Bill Hargiss. Their children, and grandchildren to Janet, are Jennifer Marie (Hargiss) Smith and Houston Alan Hargiss. Jennifer is married to Scott Smith and together they are the parents to Janet’s great-grandchildren and step-great-child Cayden Graves, Brookelynn Graves and Carlee Smith. Houston and Emily Haverstick, his girlfriend, raise Houston’s son Ross Hargiss who is Janet’s great-grandson.
Darlene Marie (Komarchuk) Market and her husband Bryan Keith Market. They are the parents to, and grandchildren of Janet, Angela Marie (Market) Cruz, Rebecca Ann (Market) Sims, and Lee Andrew Market. There are three grandsons, and Janet’s great-grandsons, Jackson Daniel Sims, Gavin Jacob Sims, and Logan Alexander Fisher Cruz.
We will gather to honor Janet’s remarkable journey at St. Paul Lutheran Church on July 19, 2024, with visitation to begin at 1PM and the Memorial Service following at 2PM. Join us afterwards for her favorite desert, cheese cake in the church breezeway. Pastor Ed Mease will officiate, celebrating a life rich in love, family and faith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran School Foundation. https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YRPT/campaign/C-139XZ
