Janet E. Santelli, 85 years old, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center under hospice.She was born August 28, 1940, in Racine, WI, the daughter of the late Eric and Esther (Hoyer) Pedersen. Janet married the love of her life, Ben Santelli, and their 63-year marriage was filled with love and companionship until his passing in 2021.Janet was a homemaker who cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to bake, cook for her family, tend to her flowers and vegetable gardens, and enjoyed crocheting. Her social calendar was always filled with outings and activities with her friends, with whom she enjoyed spending time. Most of all, Janet loved the many years she and Ben spent as snowbirds in Florida.Survivors include her children, Julie (Randy) Glud, Judy Thomson, and Daniel (Michelle) Santelli, all of Kenosha WI; seven grandchildren, Sandra (Chris), Gregory (Melissa), Jamey (Miguel), Taylor (Nicole), Michael, Corey (Josh), and Danielle (Luke); six great-grandchildren, Geovanni, Lilyanna, Peyton, Knox, Henley, and Edward; brother, John (Sally) Pedersen; and sister-in-law Susan Pedersen.The love Janet shared with her family will leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us all. Her many nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart and will always be remembered. She also held her extended Santelli family close to her heart, loving her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as her own.In addition to her parents and husband, Janet was preceded in death by her siblings, David (Sharon), June (Jim), Ruth (Warren), Dorothy (Robert), Phyllis (Larry), and Daniel; and an infant son, Gerald Santelli.A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 am - 10:30 am on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1919 54th St., Kenosha, WI. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 am. Interment of ashes will follow in St. George Cemetery.
Condolences
Pam Clark
December 8, 2025
Hi there, i just found out about Janet's passing. I am her next door neighbor, and have been for the last 29 years. Their lawn was always in tip top shape(unlike mine). Since I moved into my home in October 1996, Ben and Janet were great neighbors, quiet, always said hello, or waved to me as we were coming and going. (and they did tolerate my kids' shenanigans) They always let me know when they would go to Florida for the winter; I always knew when they were back when the big trailer truck would show up and park and the driver would drive their car off the trailer. Ben maintained the grassy area next to my driveway, at his request, until 2021. He also enjoyed using his new weed whacker some years ago on my back yard (he was very excited about that). So, RIP with Ben Janet. you will be missed. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Pam Clark, RN BSN.
Beth Sentieri
December 7, 2025
Janet was such a beautiful soul with a magnetic and calming personality. I’ll always remember her as being a part of a wonderful group of ladies that showed my generation how to be a true forever friend ❤️
Audrey Olsen
December 3, 2025
I send my condolences to the family of Janet’s! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Sending hugs to all of you!
Janet Wojtak
December 3, 2025
So many memories of my beautiful friend of more than 61 years. Janet was always the most levelheaded, energetic and absolutely fun person ever. I’ll miss her so very much.
Genevieve L Polentini
December 2, 2025
I still remember meeting aunt Janet for the 1st time It was at the spaghetti dinner at Columbus park. she was so friendly with that beautiful smile And I remember meeting uncle Ben he told me if you can't learn how to eat the spaghetti what to do is wrap it around your finger and to put your finger in your mouth and suck the spaghetti off Your finger and after that you'll be so embarrassed you'll learn how And then Aunt Janet said just ignore him he's always teasing she was so friendly so nice so welcoming I loved her so much I will miss her so much love jenny
Arlene Diehn
December 2, 2025
Words cannot say how sorry I am for your loss. She will be remembered by many for all the memories she helped create.