Janet Gesinger

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Janet L. Gesinger, 89, of rural Ridgeview, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg. 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg, with Father Brian Simon presiding. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Gettysburg. A wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the church with visitation one-hour prior.

Janet Lavonne Kearns was born on October 6, 1935, in Potter County, SD, to Owen Meredith and Jeanie (Sutton) Kearns. She was delivered by her neighbor, Mrs. Grant Osborne, and lovingly welcomed by her siblings Edith, Edwin, Frances, and Dorothy. Janet attended grade school at Bridge Store School in Forest City and graduated from high school in Gettysburg.

In 1953, at the age of 18, Janet met her future husband, Robert Gesinger, at the Medicine Rock Café. They were married on July 11, 1954, at the Catholic Church in Old Cheyenne Agency. Together, they raised six children: Roslyn “Kitty,” Roberta “Birdy,” Blaine, Kenny, Janelle, and Peggy.

In 1955, Janet and Robert moved to Moab, UT, where Robert worked in the uranium mines. They later relocated to Rawlins, WY, before returning home to Ridgeview in June 1956 after Robert’s father suffered a heart attack. There, they helped with the family farm and ranch, raising their children alongside Dory’s son, David.

Janet had a gift for making others feel welcome. She never met a stranger, opening her home with warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered. While balancing farm and ranch life and raising six children, she still found time to sew clothing for her kids, assist with countless school projects, and cultivate a large garden.

She was endlessly creative and hardworking—selling Watkins products at craft fairs before later making her own beautiful creations, including chain maille and magnetic jewelry that brought joy and comfort to many. She was also known for her calligraphy, paintings, quilting, and other handmade treasures. But above all, people remembered her for her gentle spirit, quick wit, and the way she made every person feel special. As many have said, “Your mom was the kindest lady—funny and such a joy to be around.”

Janet also had a knack for luck, especially with the slot machines—a talent her family only fully realized in later years. Well into her late eighties, she was still driving to Mobridge, Gettysburg, and Pierre for shopping, farm and ranch business, and visits with friends. At 89 years old, she remained as independent, vibrant, and full of life as ever.

Those remaining to cherish Janet’s life are her children: Roslyn “Kitty” Webster, Craig, CO, Blaine (Deedra) Gesinger, Pierre, Kenny (Mary Kaye) Gesinger, Armstrong Co, SD, Janelle Gesinger (John Hilt), Las Vegas, NV, and Peggy Gesinger, Weatherford, TX; bonus son, David Krovoza, Williams, AZ; grandchildren: Courtney, Kelan, and Austin Gesinger, Logan (Blake) Widvey and Travis, Jake (Elise), and Clayton Tolbert (Riley Barrera); great grandchildren: Kiercen, Kahler, and Krue Gesinger and Rowan, Ruger, and Palmer Tolbert; and one sister, Dorothy Lesmeister. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Jeanie; her husband, Robert; daughter, Roberta “Birdy” Tolbert; and three siblings: Edith Bartels, and Edwin and Frances Kearns. 

Memorials in Janet’s honor may be directed to the Potter County Library, 205 W Commercial Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442, Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 27, Gettysburg, SD 57442, or Eagle Butte Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1090, Eagle Butte, SD 57625. 

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Janet’s arrangements.