Janet Lynn Duke
April 12, 1951 ~ January 17, 2021
Janet Lynn Duke, born April 12,1951, perished on Sunday, January 17, 2021. She was born and raised in Wichita, KS and was the oldest of six children. Janet graduated from Wichita State University with her BA in Education and was a highly devoted Catholic parishioner. This led to her lifetime career as a teacher which she spent the majority of as the Head of the Technology department at All Saints Catholic School for grades Kindergarten to 8th. She taught hundreds of students over several decades including 3 of her 4 daughters and one of her grandsons. She assisted with Science Olympiad meets and competitions. She was also twice responsible for petitioning local businesses for monetary donations to purchase the computers, desks, and other equipment for the school’s computer lab. She coordinated a myriad of fundraisers and organized and attended an uncountable number of faith-based activities for the kids, parents, and parishioners of All Saints.
Janet was known to have a green thumb and loved to garden and care for plants. Animals were drawn to her because she was kind and caring. She was very adventurous with food and outdoor activities and she loved to travel with family and her TWA (Teachers with Attitude) friends. Janet loved to attend rock concerts and her sense of humor was on par with “dad jokes” and puns (“I am so punny, aren’t I?”).
Those who knew Janet thought of her as being loyal, reliable, and unwaveringly thoughtful. Her ability to find the perfect gift for someone was unmatched. She was so special to so many people: family, friends, colleagues, and strangers. Her heart was so full of love and too big for her to stay here on Earth. We all hope she is partying with Jesus and her family and friends that have gone before her.
Preceded in death by her parents, Adolph "Jack" and Betty Riedl; brother, Rick Alan Riedl. Survived by her husband, Roderick Duke; daughters, Neshela Duke, Erica Duke, Emily Duke, Abby Duke; sisters, Carol (Larry) Tate, Sandra (Mark) Stump; brothers, Ron (Lorena) Riedl, Steve (Tamra) Riedl; grandsons, Grayson (Bailey) Donnell, Reese Longhofer, Orion Minor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to All Saints School - Technology Department.
Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 and 9:30 am, respectively, on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church.
Graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass.
Immediate family is invited to a memorial reception at the All Saints School Gymnasium succeeding graveside service.
Live stream of the funeral mass is provided for those who cannot be in attendance and electronic guest book is provided. Please follow the link here: https://livestreamwichita.com/janetduke
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My 1st cousin Janet was such a beloved person. I looked up to her growing-up and I’m so glad for “the memories” we shared. **Years ago Fr Arthur Busch was our parish priest at Derby Ks…then he was transferred later to All-Saints in Wichita. ** There was some event Mom & I wanted to go to there. We got there early ..greeted Fr Busch and in came Janet…. and Fr Busch was so excited to LEARN (only then) that Janet was mom Gloria’s niece & my cousin. It was a happy reunion of sorts. I really salute Janet’s dedication to Education . She did such a fine job. I could see it in her students’ faces when I visited her (luckily I managed to arrive at right time when she had breaks. Good timing, after driving so far. And, I know aunt Dolores really thought highly of Janet as HER god-daughter. When my folks and I would pick up aunt Dolores/Dottie at the Wichita bus station and got to our home in Rose Hill…back then, we had a good speaker-phone and Janet had a cute way of saying “Hello aunt Doh-teee”. (That’s a close rendition..not exact, but close). There was a special bond, there. Janet touched many lives. My condolences to her siblings as well as to Rod & the girls. Prayers of comfort…to all of you.—-One unique thing : I go by a lot of variants of my first name Jimmy for long-time family & friends, Jim to some cousins & closer friends, James to acquaintances, James Adolph Marples on my diplomas and driver’s license, etc…But I loved it —that ONLY 2 people (that I knew of) Janet and her mother = aunt Betty …regularly called me: “Jimbo”… So I guess, I’ll sign-out with that. Loved you a lot Janet. — cousin Jimbo
Grayson, Bailey, Neshula and Family, We are all so very sorry about the loss of your grandma and mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We love you, Aunt Sherry, Uncle JC, Chris, Jesse, Marc and Monte
Mrs. Duke was always kind to me as a student and a friend of her kids. She was smart and capable and helpful. Love, comfort, and peace to her family.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Duke. She was an extraordinary teacher and I learned so much from her. She always had a smile for you and I loved her classes. To this day whenever someone asks me how I type so fast I give all the credit to her and her classes! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
I have many fond memories of your Mrs. Duke in my 9 years I spent at All Saints as a student. As a latchkey kid, I did everything I could to avoid going and spent many hours volunteering to help her after school. If I had to make a list of teachers who helped me become the person I am today she would be near the top of that list. Sending lots of love to her family and my fellow classmate Abby. All of you are in my thoughts.
“Damnit Janet” Rocky Horror joke and literally meant now. I am so thankful you were in my life. One last time. Damnit Janet, my heart hurts, you will be missed, and I will think of you often. Sorrow and Love to my extended family. Love you Janet Love Shirley
Dear Rod and family, I’m truly sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. It’s so unexpected for all of you I know, and for us cousins as well. We older Keehn cousins have very warm memories of the early years back in the ’50s, most especially our annual Christmas night at Grandma and Grandpa R’s. Santa Claus would always come and I just knew he was real. Even at my young age, I remember Janet was very beautiful and, from what I read about her service at All Saints School, beautiful in many ways. I have treasured the holiday visits our families have had in recent years. Of course, I expected these would continue for years to come and everyone would be there. I will miss Janet. Bob Keehn
Bill and I want to say how much Janet will be missed in our life on earth. She was a great niece and friend who will always be remembered for her cheerfulness, dedication to family, and energy to help others. We enjoyed her Thanksgiving turkey and other abundant food contributions at family meals and will be greatly missed. We will always think of her and love her. Bill and Marsha Abbott
My two daughters were classmates of Janet’s two oldest. What great memories of mothers’ coffee klatsches with friends watching our toddlers running around! And, then we were co-leaders for the girls’ Girl Scout troops. I know you all have fond memories of a wonderful woman. I wish you all peace and comfort in them.
My deepest condolences to Janet’s family, and her close friends. Janet was a treasure to many and will be missed. She was so kind, considerate and fun to be around. The soirée sisters won’t be the same without her.
My thoughts are with Rod and the family as we commemorate the life of this beautiful woman. Hope to see you again, Janet, in the sweet by and by. Thank you for helping me through my childhood.
So sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. I remember her as kind and caring. She & her husband were close friends of my brother, Joe. When he was in town, they always came to visit. To your loving family, I send my sincere condolence. Love & prayers, La Roda Murphy.