Janice Unger

Janice Theresia Voepel Unger died Friday, May 26, 2023.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, nurse, administrator and friend who will long be remembered for her generous heart, compassion and care for her nursing home residents, and her unending supply of $2 bills.

Janice was the oldest child born to Johnny and Cordy Meinz Voepel on July 21, 1941, in Altenburg, Missouri.

She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. She was a longtime, faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

She attended first through eighth grades at Trinity Lutheran School in Altenburg and then graduated from Perryville (Missouri) High School in 1959. Following high school, Janice attended Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis and graduated in 1962. Later, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

On Feb. 10, 1962, Janice married Bill Unger at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. They were blessed with 61 years together. They have three sons, her pride and joy -- Mark, Michael and Matthew Unger.

In her nursing career, she worked at both Saint Francis and Southeast Hospital. She was best known for her 26-year tenure as administrator of Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was especially proud of her work there. Janice had a special place in her heart for the elderly, and worked diligently to provide compassionate, Christian care for her patients and their families. She took great pride in knowing the name of each resident in her care. In addition, under her leadership, Lutheran Home established the first memory care unit in Southeast Missouri. She was later instrumental in establishing Villas of Jackson.

Janice served in many leadership positions, including the Missouri State Board of Nursing Home Administrators and the Jackson Board of Planning and Zoning. She was also active in numerous health-related organizations. She was the recipient of many awards, most notably for her expertise in the area of geriatric care.

Janice lived life unapologetically and to the fullest. She was always busy, whether it was work, travel, golf, adding to her collections or playing bridge with her dear friends. Although she was busy, she always knew what was going on, what needed to be done and who needed her help. Janice was wonderful about reaching out just to check in or to give an encouraging word.

Her loving survivors include her husband, Bill; sons, Mark (Becky) Unger of Jackson, Michael (Monica Kaye) Unger of Kansas City, Missouri, and Matthew (Sunday) Unger of Stover, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Benjamin Unger (fiancee Leticia Watson), Anne Marie Unger, Grace Unger and Maggie Unger.

She is also survived by her sister, Christine (Gary) Becker of Jackson.

Other survivors include her sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy Voepel, Jim Unger, Judy and Charles Fadler, Imogene Unger, Angie and Mel Delk, Karen and Delbert Meinz and Sue Beck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ken Voepel.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday, June 1, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The Rev. Paul Short will conduct the funeral at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at the church. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Saxony Lutheran High School. Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Janice's obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.