Janice Frances Kolmer, 87, of New Baden, died peacefully on April 21, 2024, at Highland Health Care in Highland.  She was born Sept. 14, 1936, in Belleville to Ruth and Edwin Logan. 

She married a handsome young man, Allen Kolmer, who happened to be a patient in the hospital where she was attending nursing school. They were married in June 1957 and soon found themselves moving around the country where Allen carried out his pastoral duties and then as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. During their travels they raised three children: Steve, Dave and Jim.   They have resided in New Baden  since 1979.   

In her younger days, she loved music playing the clarinet at Signal Hill Elementary School followed by playing at Belleville Township High School.  She also learned to play the piano during those years and that came in handy during church services on some of the military installations.

While traveling and supporting Allen in his Air Force duties, she volunteered much of her free time supporting the young troops and their families trying to make ends meet and coordinating donated household items. Towards the end of Allen’s military career, she worked for Belleville Area College (SWIC) as the registrar at Scott AFB, where again she loved helping the troops further their careers by pursuing a college degree.  

Upon moving to New Baden, she fell in love with planting and caring for flowers which were the envy of her neighbors.  She also joined Daughters of the American Revolution with her aunt Frances Logan Church, which contributed to her love of researching the Logan family history.   She compiled many notes, stories and photos which allowed her to informally publish a Logan book for her immediate family tree going back to the American Revolutionary War.  

She was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in New Baden.   Her support of Allen and her boys and their endeavors greatly contributed to the man he was and that we all became. She will be greatly missed.   

The family would like to thank Highland Health Care, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their care provided during her final weeks.   

She is survived by her sons Steve (Nancy) Kolmer and Jim Kolmer; grandchildren Hannah and Chad Kolmer; daughter-in-law Laurie Eihausen; brothers Mike (Cheryl) Logan and Bob (Joan) Logan; sisters Judy (Bill) Crispin and Sheryl Davis; and brother-in-law Rick Ash. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Allen Kolmer; son Dave Kolmer; parents Ruth and Edwin Logan; sister Karen Ash; brother-in-law, Don Davis; and sister-in-law Ruth Krueger.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of service April 27 at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden.

A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. 

Burial will be at Greenmount Cemetery in New Baden.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home,  New Baden