Janine Ruth Waters

Janine Ruth Vickerman Waters April 1, 1946 to June 23, 2026

Janine made her entrance into the world on April 1, 1946 in Waukegan, Illinois to Ruth Downard Vickerman and Robert (Bob) Vickerman Being an April Fools baby meant that her birthday was easily remembered but she often had to put up with jokes and teasing. She learned early to have a great sense of humor and to laugh and have fun. She had bright blue eyes and an infectious smile. She had a 4 year old brother and was to have a little sister 13 months later. The family moved from Illinois a few months after she was born to Keosauqua, lowa.

Janine grew up in Keosauqua where she enjoyed the joys and freedom that only a small town in the 1950's and 60's could offer. She also enjoyed being part of a large extended family with a dozen first cousins living in the same small town. She attended Keosauqua Elementary (the name changed in 1960 to Van Buren Community School) which was a block away from their home. As a teenager she worked at Vick's Cafe, a small cafe owned by her parents. After graduation from VBHS, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa to find employment there. She worked in an office there until 1967 when she took a job with TWA (TransWorldAirline) in Chicago. She lived with her Uncle Henry (her father Bob's twin brother) and family in Evanston.

While working at TWA Janine met a handsome young man who had moved to Chicago from Arizona. His name was Kip (George) Waters and love blossomed. They married August 27, 1972 in Keosauqua in an outdoor ceremony at her Aunt Jean's home. They made their first home in Des Plaines, Illinois.

They welcomed their first son, Cullen, on July 20, 1973. Janine resigned from TWA and became a full time mom. Their second son, Eric, made his appearance May 7th, 1975. Their home in Des Plaines was getting small for the growing family so they made a decision to purchase a home in Park Forest, Illinois. While living in Park Forest their third son, Jason Todd, arrived to complete their family.

Public school situation and employment opportunities in Park Forest caused Janine and Kip to decide to move their family to Des Moines, Iowa. It had the added benefit to live close to her sister and their cousins who were living in Des Moines. Janine worked as a certified pharmacy tech, first at lowa Methodist then for Broadlawns Hospital. She worked at Broadlawns until she retired in 2008. After suffering heart and diabetic issues, Kip passed away on December 5th, 2013.

Janine was very talented in crafts and while in Park Forest she and her good friend Judy Genck used their talents for making items to sell for their church. She gifted her family with beautiful crocheted items and counted cross stitch works of art. She also was an avid reader. She loved to play cards and the sound of shuffling cards would bring her running. She always ready for a shopping trip and a car ride.

She passed from our presence on June 23, 2026 at Mercy One in Des Moines to join her beloved Kip in Paradise. Janine was preceded in death by her mother and father and brother Charles who was born premature. Left to grieve her passing are her sons Cullen, Eric (Joy), and Jason Todd. Also her brother Bob, and sister Jeri. She is remembered with love as Aunt NeNe to her special niece Liz, nieces Julie, Megan, Justina, Milda, and Tracy, nephews Robert and Matthew, Craig and Curt as well as grand and great grand nieces and nephews. She has many cousins who were very close and dear to her. In her last days she spoke very fondly of the memories she had with them.

Condolences may be sent to Janine's sons Cullen and Jason at 147 Lynch, Des Moines, IA 50313 or Eric Waters at 1266 E 33rd St., Des Moines, la 50317