Janet Westgerdes

Janet K (Link) Westgerdes, age 78, of Coldwater, Ohio, passed on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at The Gardens of St. Henry. She was born May 22, 1948 in Mercer County to Ernest & Agnes (Eifert) Link. On November 25, 1967 she married Ronald Westgerdes.

She is survived by children Terrence (Tammy) Westgerdes, her grandchildren, Patrick (Alison) and Nick (Ashley) Graves, four great-grandchildren (Sullivan, Sawyer, Scarlett and Harper), and her sister Norma Jean Backs.

Janet is proceeded in death by her spouse, Ronald, daughter Amy Westgerdes-Graves, brothers Larry and Thomas Link, and sister Joan Zdanowski.

Janet's life was enriched by her love for reading. She had a library of books that she had collected over the years, each telling a story of its own and reflecting her insatiable curiosity. An avid animal lover, Janet opened her heart and home to numerous cats, each one finding comfort and love under her care.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at The Gardens at St. Henry for their compassionate care and patience over the years, as well as to the hospice workers who provided kindness and comfort. A special thank you is extended to Janet's niece, Wendy Link, whose weekly visits brought light and joy to her days.

In honor of Janet's love for animals, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), an organization close to her heart.

She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Coldwater, Ohio.

Graveside services will be held at 3PM on Saturday, October 3 at St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Coldwater. The Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.