Janet Laird

Janet I. Laird, 86, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026. She was born on February 1, 1940, to Frances and Edith Gerstenberger, both of whom preceded her in death.

Janet was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leland C. Laird; her brother-in-law, Ron Burris; her daughter-in-law, Frances Selby-Laird; her nephew, William Gerstenberger; and her niece, Deborah Klendworth.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Joel Laird, Michael (Duana) Laird, and Nicole (Gary) Schadde; her sisters, Sue (Bill) Klendworth, Ellen Burris, and Jo (Steve) Meyer; her brother, Tom (Dee) Gerstenberger; and her grandchildren, Randy, Michelle, Todd (Jana), and Cora; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A graduate of Upper Iowa University, Janet was an accomplished author who deeply valued education, creativity, and lifelong learning. She enjoyed traveling with her family and her Red Hat friends, creating lasting memories and cherished friendships along the way. She was the queen mum of the Red Hat Society and was a member of THEO’S, a widow and widowers support group. She also found joy in playing bridge and poker, where her quick wit, sharp mind, and love of companionship always shone through.

Janet will be remembered for her zest for life, generosity, independence, humor, and the love she shared so freely with family and friends throughout her life.

A GRAVESIDE CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein, Iowa. Janet would want those attending to wear purple, bright and cheerful colors as she loved to do.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army in her honor.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends, who will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude.