Janell Spiering, 80, of Webster, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Sanford Hospital, Webster.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster. Interment will be at St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery near Webster.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the funeral home.
Janell Louise Rohde was born October 16, 1945, to Arthur and Adeline Rohde at Peabody Hospital in Webster, South Dakota. She was the third of nine children: sisters, Karen, Joan, Susan, Janey, and Doreen, and brothers, Morgan, Kenny, and Larry. A proud lifelong resident of Webster, Janell was born there, graduated from Webster High School in 1963, and devoted her life to raising her family and creating a home filled with love. Though her roots were firmly planted in Webster, she believed home was not a place – it was wherever her family gathered.
The defining characteristic of Janell’s life was her unwavering care for others. From a young age, she helped raise her siblings, taking on responsibilities beyond her years. That nurturing spirit followed her throughout her life. Whether bartending, waitressing at Roger’s or Pereboom’s, or working as a CNA at Bethesda Nursing Home, Janell had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. She treated everyone like family and approached every role with compassion, kindness, and genuine concern for others. Caring for people was never simply what she did – it was who she was.
Janell was united in marriage to her soulmate, Felix Leo Spiering, on December 11, 1965, in Webster. Having both grown up in large families, Felix and Janell were blessed with one of their own. Together they welcomed six children: Brian, Paul, Amy, Karri, Charla, and Christopher. Janell loved telling stories about her pregnancies, and somehow the number of times each baby turned around in the womb seemed to increase with every retelling. She never missed an opportunity to remind her children of the pain she endured – especially when they were lovingly giving her a hard time.
Janell was an avid supporter of Bearcat athletics and rarely missed her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Whether in the stands, at a concert, or wherever her family gathered, she was always their biggest fan. Felix and Janell were blessed with 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in their hearts.
She took great pride in making a house feel like home. Her love was often expressed through simple, everyday acts – home-cooked meals, thoughtful gestures, and making sure everyone felt welcome around her table. Her hotdishes, goulash, and especially her famous macaroni and potato salads became family favorites that no one could quite replicate – mostly, because she never used a recipe and measured everything with her heart. Janell also took pride in the little details: crispy white socks, perfectly styled hair secured with Aussie hairspray, and earrings that could elevate any outfit. Christmas was one of her greatest joys, and she shopped year-round to ensure everyone had something to open – even those who weren’t officially family.
Janell knew how to enjoy life. She loved to dance and never passed up an opportunity to sway to a favorite song. Music brought her immense joy, especially the songs of Keith Urban and Elvis Presley. Those who knew her can easily picture her smile when one of their songs came on.
More than anything, Janell’s heart belonged to her family. Her home was a safe haven: a source of laughter, comfort, and unconditional love. Whether sharing a meal, enjoying each other’s company over coffee or a cocktail, or simply showing up when someone needed her, she had a way of making people feel cared for and valued.
Janell passed away on June 17, 2026, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 1 day. She leaves behind a family who was blessed by her love and forever changed by her example. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she is in the arms of Jesus, reunited with her beloved husband, Felix. Her love lives on through her family, treasured recipes, songs that make us dance, every “peaches!!” to make her family smile before photos, and the countless memories she leaves behind. She is deeply missed and forever loved.
Grateful to have shared her life are her six children and their families: Brian (Allison) Spiering; Paul (Linnae) Spiering; Amy (Greg) Erlandson; Karri (Greg) Wagner; Charla (the late, Jason) Shoemaker; and Christopher (Sarah) Spiering; her sister, Karen (Kenny) Shepherd; sister, Susan (Dennis) Daly; sister, Janey (Jack) Richards; brother, Kenny (Janel) Rohde, and brother, Morgan (Debbie) Rohde. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Felix; her parents, Adeline and Art; her stepmother, Lois Rohde; her sisters, Joan and Doreen; her brother, Larry; her son-in-law, Jason Shoemaker; and her grandson, Nicholas Grangaard.