Aug 27, 1941---May 11, 2022

Janet Velicer died peacefully with family members present on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at her retirement community in Lenexa, Kansas. Known as an avid lifelong reader, dedicated educator, lover of the musical fine arts, and world traveler, she was 80 years old. 

Jan was born Janet Frances Schafbuch in 1941 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to parents Geraldine and Allan Schafbuch. Her earliest memories and childhood were on the family farm in Van Horne, Iowa, which shaped her hard-working German, Irish and English heritage of which she was always proud. 

Starting with classes at Clark College, Jan went on to achieve a BS in Home Economics Education (1963) and MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition (1966), both from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. She later added her Certificate in Elementary Education, at Michigan State University (1976). 

Jan taught at multiple high school and elementary locations in the Pennsylvania Catholic, Michigan Waverly and Okemos school systems. She thrived for 23 years in the Okemos district, where her service spanned several elementary grades and the Gifted and Talented Program, before retiring (2001). She was recognized with the Classrooms of Tomorrow Teacher Award, Dept. of Education, State of Michigan (1990). 

In addition to serving on numerous school district committees, Jan was inducted as a Fellow into the Michigan Association of Teachers of Mathematics, and into several academic honor societies. Perhaps most striking were her dozens of contributions in civic leadership capacities, which advanced international student travel, music and the arts, election integrity, education modernization, and health and medicine. 

During her retirement, Jan immensely enjoyed attending the Kansas City Symphony and other fine musical arts concerts, especially those performed by her son Daniel and daughter-in-law Kristin. She also enjoyed many organized travel excursions with her husband Jim, and family members when possible, throughout North America and internationally. One of Jan’s hallmarks was continually planning ahead for the next trip, even as she maintained long-term friendships from all walks of her life. Jan is survived and mourned by her husband James Geiger; three sons Daniel (Kristin) Velicer in Overland Park KS, Gregory (Yuen-Tsu Nicco) Velicer in Rothenthurm Switzerland, and Mark (Christine) Velicer in Harleysville PA; seven cherished grandchildren Nicholas & Hanna, Irene & Sophia, and Jessica, Carlina & Tatianna Velicer; and her three siblings, James (Linda) Schafbuch, Sandra (Steve) Gibney, and Mary Junge. Her first husband, scientist Dr. Leland Frank Velicer, who she met and married at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa died in 2000. 

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jan’s memory to the Kansas City Symphony, or to Kansas City Hospice Care for their excellent compassionate care. To send condolences, please visit https://porterfuneralhome.com/FamiliesInOurCare.aspx A memorial service will be hosted on June 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, 9400 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215. In addition, an interment ceremony and Celebration of Life meal will be held in Iowa on June 6, 2022. She will be dearly missed.



Condolences

Lisa & Mark Raskin May 15, 2022

Niece ,Plano ,Texas

Wishing you all of our thoughts and prayers, Jan was a strong and compassionate woman. She will be missed greatly.

Susan R. Messe May 15, 2022

friend ,Haslett ,Michigan

To Jan's Family - I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Jan, first as an admired colleague in the Okemos Schools, and then as a treasured friend. I feel fortunate to have been witness to her intelligence, her compassion and her love of life. May her memory be a blessing.

Mark Trombly May 15, 2022

neighbor ,Montague ,Michigan

Hi Dan, Mark, & Greg. My condolences on the loss of Jan. Jan and Lee were wonderful people and great neighbors. Mark

Barb & Jay Goldstein May 16, 2022

niece ,Atlanta ,Georgia

Mark, Greg, Dan and families - so sorry for your loss. Your memories will always be in your hearts. Wishing you peace in this difficult time.

Susanna and Augusto Bassanini May 19, 2022

Cousin ,Camas ,Washington

Heartfelt condolences to all of the Velicer’s and to Jim. We send many warm thoughts across the miles. - Sue & Gugo

Jane Witter Ridings May 22, 2022

Old friend of Mark's ,Colorado Springs ,Colorado

I probably met Mrs. Velicer at one point, in my school days, and after reading about her I'm sorry I did not know her better. Having known Mark in middle school and high school, however, I did want to share my condolences. I was back in Okemos last weekend for my own mother's Celebration of Life when my dad, Dick Witter, read of Jan's death in the Lansing State Journal. Please know that both of us are thinking of her family at this time.

Services

Event:
Memorial Service
Location:
Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church
Address:
9400 Pflumm Road
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Jun 04, 2022
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map: