Janet Munger

Janet Florence Wilms Munger, 84, of Mt. Zion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Jan was born on February 7, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Oliver and Daisy (Shipp) Wilms. Jan grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri. On June 6, 1970, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Edward Munger. Together, they shared 44 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, travel, and cherished memories before Ken preceded her in death in 2014.
Jan is lovingly survived by her daughter, Kari Michalek, and son-in-law, Richard Michalek; her granddaughters, Taylor Schultz and her husband, Isaiah, and Emersyn Michalek; and her treasured great-grandson, Ronan Kenneth Schultz. Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in each of them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ken; and her sister, Jacqueline Wilms Tucker.
Jan dedicated 35 years of her life to early childhood special education. She was a passionate advocate for children with special needs and was instrumental in establishing the inclusion program within the Kirkwood School District. She believed every child deserved the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential, touching countless lives through her compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment.
In addition to her teaching career, Jan and Ken owned and operated Ara's Era, an antique business, for 25 years. They loved traveling together, searching for unique treasures, and sharing their appreciation for history and collectibles.
After Ken's passing in 2014, Jan moved to Mt. Zion to be closer to her daughter and family, where she found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and, later, her great-grandson.
Jan embraced life's simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who always had a book nearby, loved working puzzles, enjoyed learning new card games, and treasured time spent with friends and family. Her quick wit, kind heart, and genuine interest in others made her a joy to be around, and she leaves behind many who will miss her deeply.
Private family services will be held.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jan's life at two gatherings:
·Saturday, July 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Farotto's in Rock Hill, Missouri.
·Saturday, August 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Beach House in Decatur, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jan's honor may be made to PawPrint Ministries, 2555 E. Federal Drive, Decatur, Illinois 62526. Website: pawprintministries.org