Janette “Jan” Kristine Seidl, 75, of Hutchinson, died June 4, 2025 at Hospice House, surrounded by her family. She was born April 26, 1950, in Smith Center, KS, to Raymond and Geraldine “Jeri” (Davis) Kaup.
Jan earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from Kansas State University in 1972 and her Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Wichita State University in 1986. Miss Jan, as she was known throughout her career, was instrumental in starting the Early Education Center in Hutchinson, where she was a preschool teacher for 41 years. She taught and advocated for countless children and their families, particularly those with special needs and often through sign language, she made a lasting impact in the local community.
Jan had a huge heart and loved helping others. She was very family oriented and was the best Mom and Nana her family could ask for. Jan loved to decorate for holidays and enjoyed having her family together for special occasions. She relished cooking homemade meals which included her famous “Janette Fried Chicken,” oatmeal raisin cookies, and salsa. Jan had a special interest in photography and had bookcases of photo albums. She loved acquiring knowledge about her family’s history and working on genealogy with her mom and daughter.
On July 10, 1999, she married Steve Seidl in Lyons, KS. They shared nearly 26 years of marriage.
Jan is survived by: beloved husband, Steve; adored daughters, Stacey “Anastasia” (Ian) Sims, Kathryn “Kat” (Bean) Sims-Rogge, and Kimberly (Mike) Grubert; brothers, Richard (Mary Jane) Kaup, Jim (Glenna) Kaup, David (Charlene) Kaup, and Steve (Julie) Kaup; stepsons, Chad (Mandy) Seidl, Corey Seidl, and Chuck (Channon) Seidl; grandchildren, Uriah, Aidan, Kiley, Wyatt, Addison, Kaygen, Cooper, Brody, Piper, Anoushka, Drake, Kennedy, Madden, Carston, Tanner, Kenai, Raven, Acelyn, Violet, Orion, Kiowa, Arcadia, Amanita, and Alex; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her loyal cat, Sadie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and stepson, Chris Seidl.
Cremation has taken place.
Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 101 E. 1st Ave. Hutchinson, KS, 67501, with Reverend Mik King and Deacon Todd Ray officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family welcomes anyone who feels comfortable to wear purple, or K-State, to the service in her honor. Friends may sign her book at Elliott Mortuary Saturday through Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.