Janet Elizabeth Hellmann, age 67, of O’Fallon, Ill., born September 27, 1957 in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday morning, May 9, 2025 at Memorial Hospital, Shiloh, Illinois.
Janet was born and raised in Louisville, KY, as the youngest of five children born to Charles and Bessie, nee Smith, Rogalinski, Sr. Her older siblings adored and spoiled her throughout her childhood. She attended Jesse Stuart Elementary School and Louisville Girls High School. Growing up, she dreamed of being a wife and mother.
Janet loved working with children and managed a home daycare for several years at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. Her dedication to her husband Steve, during his military service, provided opportunities to live in Turkey, New Mexico, Germany, and Illinois. Her support for Steve’s career was a source of joy and pride. They cherished their time making new friends and often reminisced about softball games and gatherings. Janet was known for her social nature and cherished the friendships she formed in the military community.
For 23 years, she worked as a dental assistant at Associated Pediatric Dentistry with many devout friends, retiring in August 2019. Prior to her illness, Janet loved sitting on her deck, surrounded by her plants, flowers, and backyard scenery. She treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren, knick-knack-shopping with her sister, solving puzzles, and scrapbooking. She had the best sense of humor and her smile and silliness shined through at every occasion with her family and friends.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Charles “Sonny” E. Rogalinski, II; Michael David Rogalinski, and Kary L. Rogalinski; her parents-in-law Stanley L. and MaryAnn Hellmann, and sister-in-law Jane M. Hellmann.
She is survived by her husband, retired USAF Senior Master Sergeant Stephen L. Hellmann; son Sean L. Hellmann; daughter Jenna K. (Adam) Rainis; grandchildren Bryce L. Hellmann, Christian A. Rainis, and Sebastian J. Rainis; and sister Kathryn L., nee Rogalinski, Mullins.
Visitation: 5-8 pm, Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, IL, and one hour prior to Mass on Friday at the church.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Friday, May 30, 2025 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon, Ill., with Fr. James Deiters presiding. Interment will be held in private family service at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.
The family kindly requests no plants or flowers. If you wish to give, memorial donations in her name are suggested to St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church.
An on-line guestbook is available at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Services are entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.
