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MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JANET CAROLYNSTESSL
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Janet Carolyn Stessl on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of her passing by The Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 15, 1933 to Pauline (Feemster) Johnson and Glenn Johnson, Janet was the beloved wife of Louis Anthony Stessl for 58 years; loving mother of Lisa Stessl Hans (Jon) of Breckenridge Colorado, Connie Stessl and fiance Fernand Larochelle of Lisbon Falls, Maine. Janet was the cherished grandmother of Valerie Edwards (Drew), Lorelei Vella (Jerry), Sabrina Mendoza Quispe (Wilmer), Paul Louis, and Ian William Hans, as well as the proud great-grandmother of James Vella, Lauren Vella, and Matthew Edwards. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Betty Gail Miller of Marshalltown, Iowa; and
WHEREAS, Janet attended grammar school and high school in the small town of Oelwein followed by one year at the University of Iowa before moving to Chicago. In the early 1960's Janet was motivated by civil and women's rights demonstrations to volunteer for the League of Woman Voters of Chicago. Janet also served the community for many years with the Midwest Community Council on the west side of Chicago.
WHEREAS, Janet expressed her love of Victorian architecture and history by undertaking two major renovations of historic properties, one a rental property near the Loop in Chicago and the other her home in Old Edgebrook. She was very active in the Edgebrook Historical Society, where she served as President, and maintained many dear friendships in the Edgebrook Women's Club; and
WHEREAS, Janet's passion for music was displayed in her pursuit of excellence as a zither player, teacher and journalist. She was the regular featured performer at the Black Forest Restaurant in Glenview, and she taught zither lessons in her home. Along with her husband Louis, Janet played in countless concerts with the Chicago Zither Club where she also served in many leadership roles, including president. Janet's long musical career included appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic and recoding tracks with David Byrne ofthe Talking Heads for his composition, The Forest; and
WHEREAS, Jan and Lou supported several ethnic Austrian and German clubs in the Chicago area including the Steirer Club and the American Friends of Austria. The couple were avid campers, skiers, and adventurous world travelers creating wonderful memories exploring North America and Europe. Janet was treasured friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and member of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this twenty-fourth day of May, 2017, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Janet Carolyn Stessl and express to her family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Janet Carolyn Stessl as a token of our honor, gratitude, and respect.