Janet Roecker

Janet Carol Roecker was called home on June 12, 2024, after a two-year battle with a glioblastoma. She was born on October 22, 1966, to John and Phyllis (Ernst) Gosch.  She was baptized in the Christian faith as an infant and was a member of the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. She will be remembered for her unending strength and faith in God and generous spirit that sustained throughout this journey. An amazing wife, mother and friend to so many, Janet was known for her outgoing and welcoming personality.

Janet graduated from Schleswig High School in 1985 and from Creighton University with honors, earning a degree in Occupational Therapy in 1990. Until her illness forced her to leave her employment, Janet worked for Mercy Hospital and UnityPoint Home Health Care. She was always an advocate for her patients and their families with a heartfelt compassion while impacting the lives in her role as Occupational Therapist.

On October 3, 1987, she married her high school sweetheart, Brad Roecker, and together, they were blessed with two children, Haley and Mitch. Her family was always her first priority, ensuring they had everything they needed (and then some) and her pride and love for them was obvious to those around her.

Janet enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and her love for the outdoors was evident in her flower gardening and landscaping. Animals were always a part of her life, especially cats and horses. When she wasn't spoiling her cats or watering her flowers, she could be found at the mall looking for a good sale.

Surviving Janet are her husband, Brad; daughter Dr. Haley; son Mitch (Tawnee); brother Marc (Sharon); sister Cindy "Mae"; mother-in-law Diane Roecker; father-in-law Ken Roecker; special friends Donna Burns and Danielle Lonsdale; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, John and Phyllis Gosch; brother Howard; and nephews Timothy and Jacob Gosch.

Services will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa, on June 29, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service starting at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Suncrest Hospice and Chaplain Pam from Lutheran Church of Hope for their kind and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Janet's memory can be made to Suncrest Hospice, West Des Moines, Iowa; Kiya Koda Humane Society, Indianola, Iowa and Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa.

The Service will be live streamed at  https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/specialevents/