Janet Ann Johanningmeier

Janet Ann (Basile) Johanningmeier of Springfield, Missouri, died peacefully at home on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.

She will be remembered for her loving heart, her joy in being with family and friends, and her deep devotion to the Catholic faith.

Janet was born Feb. 15, 1942, in St. Louis, the oldest of five children born to Anthony and Virginia “Jenny” (Gambino) Basile. She grew up in Jennings, Missouri, and met her future husband, Richard, when they were 15, after his family moved to the neighborhood.

They ran in the same circle of friends and began dating when Richard was at Missouri State University, then Southwest Missouri State. Janet had wanted to attend college, but her family urged her to get a job. So for the next three years, she traveled to Springfield on weekends to visit her boyfriend.

They were married June 13, 1964, and moved frequently as Richard’s early career as a football coach took them to Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut before they settled in Springfield in 1976.

During those early years in New England, Janet decided to earn her college degree. She attended classes while working as an administrative assistant and raising her two small children. She eventually graduated from the University of Connecticut, and in later years loved to cheer on the UConn women’s basketball team.

After moving to Springfield, she began her teaching career at Immaculate Conception before continuing at St. Agnes. During this time, she earned her master’s degree from Missouri State. As the couple later relocated to Kansas, Illinois and Indianapolis following a career change for her husband, Janet continued her vocation in education.

A lifelong Catholic, Janet lived her faith daily. She faithfully attended Mass, prayed the Rosary, and found strength and peace in prayer. Her faith shaped the way she loved, served and cared for others.

Janet was endlessly curious and never stopped learning. She loved to read, visit museums and attend Broadway shows. She could rewire a faulty lamp, refinish a neglected dresser, and enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren.

She had an interest in genealogy, and traced her family’s roots back to Italy. She took great pride in preserving family history and sharing what she learned with her children. A highlight was visiting the hometown of her grandmother in the mountains near Palermo, Sicily.

An exceptional cook, Janet delighted in preparing meals for family and friends. Her lasagna, spiedini, cannolis and Christmas cookies will not be forgotten.

Above all, Janet cherished her family. She was the mother of two children, grandmother of four, great-grandmother of five, and aunt to 15 nieces and nephews, with countless cousins, aunts and uncles. She loved traveling, especially to see her family in St. Louis and Texas, and she always knew what was happening in the lives of those she loved. She took great joy in gifting a Hallmark Christmas ornament to each of her children and grandchildren every year.

She treasured her friendships and greeted everyone with a warm smile and a welcoming hug. She still kept in touch with two friends she had met in kindergarten.

In retirement, she faithfully attended Missouri State football, basketball and baseball games with her husband and friends, and was in the stands cheering on the Lady Bears just days before her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Virginia Basile, and her in-laws, Erwin and Estelle (Bulejski) Johanningmeier.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Richard; son, Thomas (Jeannie) of Fort Worth; daughter, Lynn of San Antonio; four grandchildren, Steven, Austin, Kristin and Nicholas, five great-grandchildren; brother, Gerald “Jerry” (Betty) Basile; and sisters, Virginia “Ginger” Basile, Rosemary “Rosie” (Ralph) Caples, and Margaret “Marge” Pont.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1609 N. Summit Ave. The family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer funeral Home in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Richard and Janet Johanningmeier Scholarship Endowment at Missouri State University or the Springfield Catholic Schools’ Shepherds’ Fund.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com