Janice "Jan" Heinen

Janice R. Sunneberg Heinen, lovingly known as Jan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith, strength, and unconditional love. She was born on June 2, 1941, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the twelfth child of Clem and Marie Mitchell Sunneberg and from an early age learned the value of family, kindness, and devotion to others. Jan graduated from St. Peter and Paul High School in Seneca, Kansas in 1959, where she met the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Heinen. They were married on November 24, 1959, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, beginning a beautiful marriage of more than 65 years. Together, they made their home in Topeka, Kansas, where they raised their family and built a life centered on faith, love, and service. After marriage, Jan dedicated 11 years to teaching nursery school. She later worked for the State of Kansas, Department of Revenue for 17 years, where she was respected for her dedication and integrity. Jan was a devoted wife and caring mother to her two daughters, Brenda Sweezey (Mark) and Tammy Koch (Jeff). She was an incredibly loving grandmother to Tyler Sweezey (Lindsey), Kyle Koch (Kaleigh), Dalton Sweezey, and Isaac Koch (Jenna), and a cherished great-grandmother to Dalton (DJ) Sweezey Jr., Raylynn Sweezey, Aurelia Sweezey, and Hayes Sweezey. Her joy was fullest when surrounded by her family, especially while cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events. In retirement, Jan was an avid K-State fan and enjoyed watching sports on television. She never missed an opportunity to be present for her family, whether it was at a game, a gathering, or a simple moment together. Jan was beautiful inside and out. She lived with kindness, grace, and quiet strength. She loved fiercely with her whole heart and unwavering faith. She was kind, gentle, calm, and always smiling. Her warmth could be felt in her hugs, her laughter, her positivity and the way she made everyone feel loved. Jan held so much love for others that it radiated from her; you could simply feel it whenever you were around her. She was truly one of a kind. Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry; her parents Clem and Marie Sunneberg; her brothers Gerald and Bob; and her sisters Esther, Rosemary, Joan, Alberta, Norene, Gerva, and Bernita; and brother-in-law, Paul. She is survived by her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; her brothers, Bill (Elsie) and Regis (Jane); brother-in-law, Gene Lackey; sisters-in-law, Karen Rilinger, and Marilyn Evans (Gary); and many loving nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Jan loved the color purple; the family encourages everyone who joins on Friday to wear purple in Jan’s honor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614.

Janice "Jan" Heinen

June 2, 1941 - February 7, 2026