Janelle “Jan” Diebling, age 72, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, on January 22, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin. After a sudden and unexpected cancer diagnosis in early December, she faced her remaining weeks with strength, gratitude, and the enduring love of her family.

Born on July 21, 1953, in San Pedro, California, to Russell and Virginia Kerr, Jan was the daughter of an Army Lieutenant Colonel and one of seven children. Her childhood took her from California to Texas to New Jersey to Germany, before eventually settling in St. Louis, Missouri. Those early years fostered in her a deep love for home and a natural gift for making others feel safe, welcome, and cared for. It was in St. Louis where Jan met the love of her life, Jerry, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion, laughter, and love.

Jan poured her heart into her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, always placing her family at the center of everything she did. A devoted caretaker and enthusiastic volunteer, Jan lived a life defined by kindness, generosity and unwavering compassion. Helping others wasn’t something she saved for special occasions, it was simply who she was. She dedicated her time in service to others, from her cherished work with Feed Thy Neighbor to the many small, everyday gestures of compassion that left a lasting mark on those she loved.

Jan’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was deeply involved in her parish, St. Thomas Aquinas, finding joy in service, comfort in prayer, and connection through fellowship. Her faith was reflected not in loud words, but in gentle actions, steady grace, and a calm strength that lifted those around her.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Russell Kerr Sr. and Virginia Kerr; her brothers, Russell Jr. and Ricky; and her sister, Michelle.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Jerry Diebling; her children, Jeremy Diebling (Melissa Reichert), Jennifer Herdina (Andrew Herdina), Christopher Diebling, and Brian Diebling (Jen Diebling); and her eight grandchildren, who were truly the joy of her life—Kaylee, Ellie, Braden, Brooklyn, Zoe, Dylan, Branson, and Noelle. Jan adored her grandchildren beyond measure and delighted in each of their personalities, cheering them on with pride and unconditional love. She is also survived by her sisters, Heidi, Becky, and Jenny, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

Jan will be remembered for her warm smile, her gentle humor, her open heart, and the many quiet ways she made the world a better place. Her life was a beautiful reflection of love in action, and her legacy will live on through the faith, kindness, and compassion she shared so freely.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish in Madison, Wisconsin with livestreaming at: https://www.youtube.com/c/StThomasAquinasChurchMadison/. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-6:00 pm at High Noon Saloon.

A Celebration of Jan's Life will be held on Sunday, February 15, from 3-5 pm at The Twinseagles Club, Banquet Room, 11725 Twineagles Blvd., Naples, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations to Feed Thy Neighbor, an organization close to Jan’s heart, made in honor of her generous and giving spirit. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd. Madison

608-238-3434