Friday, February 6, 2026.
Beloved wife of Geno Kestler; loving mother of Eric (Tonya) Kestler, Nicki (Dan) Ryan and Brian (Angie) Kestler; adoring grandmother of Nick (Jaylnn), Jake, Grace and Sam Kestler, Jack (Emma), Frank, Claire and Cate Ryan, Ben (fiancé Hunter Cook), Joe and Tomas Kestler; cherished sister of the late Joy (Rick) Phillips and Joey (surviving Cindy) Fernandez; dear sister-in-law of Mary June (Harold) Walker, Gary (Donna) Kestler, Kevin (Jackie) Kestler and the late Xavier “Bub” Kestler and Karl (surviving Robyn) Kestler. Our dearest aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Janice Marie Theresa Fernandez Kestler was born in the historic Carondelet neighborhood of South St. Louis City, where her strong sense of community and vibrant personality first began to shine. She attended grade school at Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church and School, building the foundation of faith and friendship that would guide her throughout her life.
A proud Cleveland High Dutchman from the class of 1967, Janice carried her school spirit with her everywhere she went. In July of 1974, she became a member of the Spanish American Girls Society, embracing the camaraderie and lifelong bonds that came with it.
Janice was the devoted wife of Geno Kestler for 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. She was the loving mother of Eric, Nicki, and Brian, each of whom she supported with unwavering pride and joy.
To her 11 grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Gran Jan,” a title she held with tremendous delight. Her home and heart were always open, and she made each grandchild feel uniquely cherished.
A dedicated employee of Hager Hinge Companies for more than 30 years, Janice approached her work with loyalty, energy, and care—attributes she carried into every aspect of her life.
Janice never met a stranger. She had an infectious smile, a generous spirit, and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether offering help, sharing a laugh, or lighting up a room with her unmistakable presence, she was always the life of the party.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.
Love you mucho Ma!
Services: Visitaton at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. 63129 on Sunday, February 15, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow at Spanish Society. Interment will be held in private.
Her loving family will carry her up, through their love and prayers, the stairway to Heaven!! Rest in that Heavenly Peace.
My deepest sympathy to you, Frank.
I am in shock. Jan had an infectious smile, great personality, and to know her was to love her. She will be missed by so many.
Jan was a friend and loving wife of my good friend, Gene. She was always cheerful. She was a caring mother and grandparent. It’s very hard to imagine a world without her. My sincere condolences to Gene and the entire family.
My heart is breaking. My family was “family” with the Fernandez family for many generations. My Dad always said the most honest men he knew were Chic and Apples Fernandez. Janice was of the same mold. She loved her family more than anything in the world, She was so proud of them. Her cousins were such a part of her life. When my Dad passed away Janice was by his bedside and I am sure that made him happy.
I love you Jan and will miss you forever.
A beautiful person who made a difference in this world. She will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Jan’s passing . The Kestler family was the first family I knew from 8309 Pennsylvania . Condolences to all family and friends
Geno I’m so sorry for you and your family. She was a wonderful person. We were all lucky to know her.
Westie
So many of us are still in shock hearing this news. A wonderful mom and grandmother and wife to Gene. I’ll miss seeing the updates on this beautiful family.my condolences to the family. .
My condolences to the kestler family and the Fernandez family .
Met Janice through a good friend of mine (we worked at the airport), and she introduced me to Jan years ago at the
Spanish Society in S.StL. What a fun and wonderful lady. She always had a great sense of humor and beautiful smile.
I think of her often and will miss her.
I’m am so sorry to hear this. My heart broke when I heard the news. Jan was always like another aunt to me. You will be missed.
With love
-Dan
Janice we have been friends since grade school. We were kids, you were someone that lifted our spirits and made life unforgettable. We kept in touch all these years and never let our friendship disappear. Our group of friends have loved one another for many years. We will never forget your spirit and love you shared with all of us. To the family she will never be forgotten. Judy Pickell (Mc Daniel)
Jan was a one-of-a-kind, person with a never-ending smile…a loving and bright personality that filled the room with warmth and sunshine…You will be missed by so many….but NEVER forgotten… 🙁
What a beautiful tribute! Sending prayers and love to you all!
Dear Gene, and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jan was one of a kind spirit who was always smiling and spreading joy where ever she went. Every Family function she attended she was always laughing and joining in the fun we always had. I am so sorry for the loss of a beloved cousin. My deepest sympathy and condolences to her Husband, my cousin, Gene, her Family, and Friends. I know you all will miss her terribly. Remember the good times and the Love she had for you all, it will help ease the grief a little. May God grant you all, Peace.
Love, your cousin,
Barbara
Dear Gene and family, Only met Janice a few times and she seemed like a very special lady. Sending prayers for the entire Kestler family
A light that shined so brightly has has left our lives and our Carondelet community.
Janice greeted you with her infectious smile and warm hug. Her presence brought joy to every room she entered.
As you gather together and share cherished memories of times spent with this energetic and life loving Lady may you know she loved each of you with her whole heart and soul.
She will be waiting for you in heaven.
I am so sad to hear this. I met Jan when she first started working at Hager Hinge. The Hagers were so impressed by Jan, she was offered a job at Hager after working at a restaurant they frequented. Jan, Gene, my ex boyfriend followed each other to a picnic at the Racoon Ranch maybe 1984. One of the kindest women I’ve been blessed to meet. ♥
So, so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful human being. My mom and dad, Angel and Anna Jane Menendez were close friends of Apples and the family. My brother Danny was always in some kind of “fun” with the family. So sad to hear this news. God be with you all, Don Menendez
Janice, I held a special place in my heart for you. Your smile & contagious laugh brought me happiness that I treasure to this day. You always had a funny story to tell or a humorous thought to share. You made me feel seen, valued, and loved. Being the flower girl in your wedding is a memory I hold dear to my heart. . The showers for brides & babies held at the Spanish Pavilion hold so many cherished memories. A loving family, a joyous celebration and the most amazing food.
My deepest sympathy to Eric, your children, and grandchildren. Your passing is truly a great loss and far much too soon. Your love of life will keep you in my thoughts, heart, & prayers until we meet again.
Janice, you hold a very special place in my heart. Your smile lit up every room and your laugh was contagious. You made me feel so special when you asked me to be the Flower Girl in your wedding. I cherish the memories of that day even 55 years later. All the celebrations of brides to be & babies to arrive held at the Spanish Pavilion hold so many memories of a loving family, joyous parties, and unforgettable food. My deepest condolences to Gene, your children, & grandchildren. You’ve left us much too soon. You’ll live forever in my thoughts. Until we meet again.
Geno and family, Jim and I are heartbroken. We had not seen each other for over 30 years and then it was like not one minute had passed. An amazing laugh and a warm, welcoming smile. Sorry we will be out of town but know that are thoughts will be with you. Love n hugs, Diana and Jim Dauphin
So sorry to hear this. Sending my condolences and love.
Janice was the nicest person. She always made a point of seeking us out at various functions just to say hello and ask how everyone was. She will be deeply missed. Her family has my heartfelt sympathy. May she rest in peace.
Our family was so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing, she brought joy to every person she met. She embodied all things that are good in this life: faith, family, friends and love. A fine lady who will be sorely missed. Our deep sympathy to her family. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Geno, we are so sorry for your loss. Janice was a sweet and wonderful person. Her family was a joy to be around. We’re keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Gene, Brian and family, I am sorry for your loss🙏
I’ve known Janice since freshman year at Cleveland. She had a smile that lit up the room. She was always happy and fun to be around. I loved reading her updates on FB. She was such a loving wife, mom, grandmother and friend. This was quite a shock to hear. Condolences and prayers to Gene and the whole family and friends. Janice will sincerely be missed by many.
RIP Dutchman!
I got to know Janice at Across The Board Game. Such fun times working with Janice. She was so full of life! She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
My deepest sympathy & prayers to all of you! As you already know your mom was one loving & strong lady!🙏❤️
We are so saddened by your loss. Her presence in our life, though brief and spread over time, left us with wonderful memories to keep her with us. She left her wonderful imprint on every single person she met.
What a wonderful person Jan was!!! Her beautiful smile made you want to smile. Jan sure loved loved her kids. She was so proud of each and every one of you!!
Rest in peace dear friend.
Our deepest condolences & prayers for your entire family. Janice always had a cheerful smile & kind word for everyone she met. Each of our ‘67 classmates were blessed to have known her as she graced our lives with genuine sincerity, love and friendship. The streets of Heaven are full tonight as they welcome a precious Dutch Girl as a new Angel.
Deepest sympathies. It was amazing to see all you showed their love for Janice on Sunday. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.