IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased largely as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Abe Plenert
A memorial service for Abe Plenert, 96, who passed away Feb. 5, 2026, at Bethesda Home in Goessel, will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Meridian Baptist Church, Newton.
Burial with military rites will take place at Greenwood Cemetery after the service. Visitation will be the evening prior, from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 12, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Broadway-Colonial Funeral Home, also in Newton.
Abe was born Feb. 15, 1929, in Hillsboro to Adolf and Helen (Hiebert) Plenert.
He grew up on the family’s farm near Hillsboro with four brothers and a sister. There he learned the value of hard work and faith.
He attended Lighthouse Grade School and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1947.
At age 14, Abe accepted Christ as his savior, a commitment that shaped the rest of his life. He remained faithful in church attendance and service wherever he lived.
Abe served his country in the US Navy from Oct. 13, 1948 to Aug. 19, 1949, and in the US Army from July 24, 1950, to July 23, 1953.
On October 15, 1950, he married Janice Janzen, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 75 years. Together they built a life marked by devotion, perseverance, and deep family bonds.
Abe spent his career in several roles that reflected his strong work ethic and leadership — serving as a construction foreman, a ranch manager, and later a KOA Kampground owner during his retirement years.
Outside of work, he enjoyed drawing, traveling, KU basketball, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Plenert; daughter Karen Sleeth; son Jack Plenert (and wife Cindy); son Ron Plenert (and wife Nancy); daughter Debbie Miller (and husband Blake); brother John Plenert; 15 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; and nine greatgreatgrandchildren.
Abe was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lavern, Roland, Gordon, and Doris; infant brother Raymon; sons David Scott and James Bradley; and greatgranddaughter Tindley Grace Stewart.
Memorial contributions in Abe’s name may be made to Meridian Baptist Church in care of Broadway-Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.