Janis E. Gerkensmeyer

Janis E. Gerkensmeyer (Kercheval), 73, of Bloomington, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Golden Living Center. She was born on December 19, 1947 in Los Angeles, California; the daughter of Glo and Jim Kercheval. Janis received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Indiana University and went on to obtain both a masters and a doctorate degree in psychiatric nursing from Indiana University. After moving from Indiana to a wilderness home on the Gunflint Trail in Northern Minnesota, Janis continued to conduct research and completed her final project before retirement—a funded, major National Institute of Health study. Janis’ passion as a psychiatric nurse and a researcher was helping children and their families. She pioneered innovative pediatric pain management practices that are used both in the U.S. and abroad. Her research on supporting the caregivers of children with mental health needs changed the lives of many families. From lobbying at the Indiana State House for the needs of children with mental health issues to providing support to families in need in her community, Janis was constantly caring for others in both her professional and her personal life. Just a few of her numerous awards and achievements include the Carol McMullen Marsh Award from Indiana University School of Nursing, recognition of honors from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and recognition of outstanding research from the Indiana University Patient Care Research Committee. Janis was passionate about her gardens and wildlife. She was an excellent cook. Whether someone was invited over for a meal or just happened to “drop by,” there was guaranteed to be a spread that would inspire stories for years and years. Above all, Janis was a natural born caregiver. She was passionate about her work and she was passionate about her family and friends. She had the gift of making others feel loved, no matter how briefly they knew her. Janis is survived by her children, Amy Ellen Roberts (Sean), Angela Joy Sledd, and Sarah Elizabeth Cullison (Andrew); grandchildren, Owen David Roberts, Brynn Everly Roberts, Ella Delia Sledd, Lily Irie Sledd, Simon Richard Cullison and Charles David Cullison; sister Glory Juare (Hawkins). She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, David Gerkensmeyer; parents, Glo Kercheval (Ralston) and Jim Kercheval; birth parents Rose Hawkins (Lacerte) and Francis Hawkins. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 3800 E. Third St. Bloomington. Family will receive friends from 11am until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Children’s Mental Health Network, and ChildKind International. Funeral services for Janis will be held in conjunction with services for her beloved husband, David C. Gerkensmeyer. Guests are welcome to join us virtually through Zoom with the directions below: Topic: David and Janis Gerkensmeyer's service 11/27/21 Time: Nov 27, 2021 12:00 PM Indiana (East) Join Zoom Meeting https://trincoll.zoom.us/j/92824164361 Meeting ID: 928 2416 4361 One tap mobile +19292056099,,92824164361# US (New York) +13017158592,,92824164361# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 928 2416 4361 Find your local number: https://trincoll.zoom.us/u/aduO0TCGF

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Janis E. Gerkensmeyer

December 19, 1947 - November 21, 2021