Janice K. Wrench

Janice K. Wrench, 84, of Chetopa, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at her home.

Janice Kay Fricke was born on January 11, 1942, to Ralph and Glena (Carter) Fricke in Parsons, Kansas. She grew up and attended school in the Labette County area and graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1960.

Her vocation was to care for the elderly. Janice had a lifelong career as an administrator and owner of different long-term care facilities in Chetopa, Oswego and Russell, Kansas. While in Russell, she chose to become a foster parent with a heart full of love, opening her home and world to children in need. She loved and treated them as her own. After retiring, she returned to work part-time as a caregiver for SKIL. Her boundless kindness and dedication left a deep mark on every life she touched.

Janice was a community-minded, take-charge woman who dedicated much of her life to helping others. She played an important role in helping establish Chetopa’s first ambulance program and the Chetopa Library. She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary Post #10508, Club Scout Leader, and the Oswego Golf Club.

Janice also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures – spending time with her grandchildren, playing softball, riding motorcycles, reading a good book, and working in her yard while enjoying the fresh air and warm sunshine.

Janice and William Joseph Schertz were united in marriage. He preceded her in death on February 9, 1990. She later married Gary Eugene Wrench. He preceded her in death on April 14, 1994.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Steve Joseph Schertz (Linda) of Blue Jacket, Oklahoma

Nicholas Wrench of Fairview, Oklahoma

Two daughters – Stacy Underhill (Stan) of Chetopa, Kansas

Shandie Smith (Peter) of Parsons, Kansas

11 grandchildren

16 great-grandchildren

One great-great grandchild

Countless foster children that called her “Mom”

One brother – James Lyle Fricke of Dearing, Kansas

One sister – Judy Callstrom of Wichita, Kansas

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Schertz; and her husband, Gary Wrench.

There will be a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.