Janet M. (Keilen) Droste

Janet Mildred Droste, lifelong resident of Westphalia, passed away surrounded by her family on July 1, 2024 at the age of 88. She was born on June 29, 1936 to Walter and Odelia (Platte) Keilen.

Janet was a devout member of St. Mary’s Parish and a dedicated member of the Christian Mother’s Society. She found great joy in her faith and community involvement. Aside from being a homemaker, Janet also held various positions outside of her home, including many years as the Westphalia Township Treasurer, 13 years as the secretary at St. Mary School, and 16 years at State of Michigan in the Public Health Department. Known for her avid love of reading, Janet could often be found with a book in hand, exploring countless literary works throughout her life. She had a passion for gardening and possessed a remarkable green thumb. Travel was another one of Janet’s great passions, having ventured to 52 countries and exploring every state in the USA. She enjoyed sharing memories of her adventures with others. Janet cherished her daily morning walks, faithfully accompanied by her dear friend, Linda Wieber. Above all, Janet was devoted to her family. She made it a priority to never miss a sporting event or activity for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janet will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Preceding Janet in death are her parents; her husband of 49 years, Tom Droste; brothers, Leon, Jim (Cornelia), Don, and Larry Keilen; and several Keilen and Droste in-laws. Surviving Janet are her sons, Tim Droste of Lansing, Tom (LeAnn) Droste of DeWitt, and Ted (Becky) Droste of Pewamo; grandchildren, Dena (Collin) Rennaker, Heidi Droste, Amber (Preston) Weber, Olivia (Clayton) Nurenberg, Isabelle, Tyler, Jackson, and Raymond Droste; great-grandchildren, Brooks and Dawson Rennaker, Max, Lillian, Valerie, Teddy, and Frankie Weber, Everly, Georgia, Scarlett, and Penelope Nurenberg; siblings, Betty Weber and Joanie (Don) Schmitt; Keilen in-laws, Aggie Keilen and Peg Keilen; and Droste in-laws, Dick (Bernadette) Droste and John Schafer.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 2-8 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary School or St. Joseph School in honor of Janet. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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