Janet Brusnahan Bahler

Janet Bahler passed away on October 18, 2013, at George Ade Memorial Healthcare Center in Brook, Indiana. Mary Janet was born in Champaign, Illinois to Paul and Cecelia Brusnahan and moved to Rensselaer when she was 10 years old. She attended St. Augustine School and Rensselaer High School, where she met her husband Chuck - both graduates of the class of ’49. Following that, she went to St Francis in Joliet then joined Chuck at Purdue University. She graduated from Purdue with a degree in Economics and remained a loyal Boilermaker (that’s putting it mildly) throughout her life, as well as a proud Alpha Delta Pi. Later, she became a secretary and teacher, then found her true calling as a florist. Her window displays at Brand’s floral are still remembered by many Rensselaer residents. After she & Chuck married in 1953, they lived in Los Angeles (Whittier) California - where Chris & Maggie were born, quickly followed by Melbourne, Australia, Akron, Ohio - where Chip was born, and Farmington Hills, Michigan. She was an active member of the Red Hats as well as a Daughter of Isabella. They returned to Rensselaer in 1996 after Chuck retired, where she enjoyed volunteering at Jasper County Hospital, St. Augustine’s and at various local events on behalf of the Jasper County Historical Society. She was also a gifted painter, as shown through her membership in the Prairie Arts Council and active participation every summer at “art camp.” She was a past president of the Fountain Park Art Colony and loved her time at Chautauqua in Remington. Chuck & “Pook” traveled around the world twice, and later in life enjoyed places like Alaska and Banff, Alberta, Canada. Pook loved antiques, DQ barbecue sandwiches and going to the Busy Bee for any kind of frozen yogurt. Most importantly, she cherished her many long friendships some of which spanned over 70 years. She had been a resident at George Ade Memorial Healthcare Center since suffering a stroke in late 2006. Even though she lost her power of speech, she was still able to “communicate” with her bright smile and her sparkling blue eyes. Her sense of humor also remained intact. We will be forever grateful to the people there who took such incredible care of her. They truly made her last years dignified, meaningful and very, very special. She is survived by her devoted husband Chuck, her son Chip Bahler (fiancée Kimberlee Airgood), her daughter Maggie (Chuck) Rizzio, her dog Willi and grand-dog Griffin, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Ceil and her son Christopher. She loved flowers, but if you wish to make a donation, please give generously to St. Augustine’s in Rensselaer or George Ade Memorial Healthcare in Brook. Visitation will be held at Jackson Funeral Chapel in Rensselaer on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 2-8 pm with a rosary at 7 pm. Mass of Christian burial to be held at St Augustine Catholic Church on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10 am with Father Don Davison. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Janet Brusnahan Bahler

October 17, 1931 - October 18, 2013