Janet Kay Gorter

Janet Kay Gorter, née Hoekstra, age 76, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Beloved wife of 52 years to Arnold Gorter. Loving mother of Wendy (Joshua) Zylstra, Jill Gorter-Droogers, Kristy (Keith) Bultema, Michael Gorter, and Debra (Bryan) Punter. Cherished grandmother of Anneka, Michael, Noelle, and Evangeline Zylstra; Cornelis, Steven, and Joel Droogers; Jonathan, Matthew, Drew, Rebecca, and Julia Bultema; and Julian, Augustine, Harrison, and Margaret Punter. Dear sister of Melvin (Kathy) Hoekstra, Joyce (Larry) Olthoff, Harvey (Lori) Hoekstra, Tim (Darla) Hoekstra, Paul (Brenda) Hoekstra, and sister-in-law of John (Ineen) Gorter, Clarence (Jean) Gorter, and Sharon (David) Sjoerdsma. Preceded in death by her parents, Menno and Bouwina Hoekstra. Janet was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Janet was born on April 1, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised in Grant Park, Illinois, where she attended school. After graduating, she worked at a local bank until meeting and marrying the love of her life, Arnold Gorter, on June 8, 1974. The couple began their married life in Waupun, Wisconsin, where Janet worked for a short time at a canning factory before embracing her calling as a homemaker. For more than 50 years, she devoted herself to raising her children and creating a loving home. For over 20 of those years, she also cared for countless children through in-home childcare, blessing many families with her kindness and nurturing spirit. In 2015, Janet and Arnold moved to Cedar Lake to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Janet was a faithful servant of God whose greatest joy was sharing the love of Jesus with children. She faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and was grateful to see that same love for teaching God's Word passed on to her daughters and granddaughter. Throughout her life, she participated in numerous Bible studies, including one with the women in her neighborhood. She treasured studying Scripture and sharing Christ's love with those around her. Janet also taught Story Hour for preschool children, allowing their mothers the opportunity to study the Bible.

A lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Cubs, Janet remained loyal to her hometown teams even during her years in Wisconsin. She enjoyed gathering her children and grandchildren to watch games together over pizza. More than anything, however, she delighted in attending her grandchildren's sporting events, plays, concerts, and other activities. Nothing brought her greater happiness than cheering them on and celebrating the people they were becoming.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt. 30/Pleasant Springs Lane), Dyer, Indiana. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lynwood United Reformed Church, 1990 Glenwood Dyer Road, Lynwood, Illinois, with Rev. Nick Alons officiating. Interment will follow at Skyline Memorial Park in Monee, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mid-America Reformed Seminary or Lynwood United Reformed Church.

For further information please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online guestbook and obituary at www.SMITSFH.com.