Janet Carolyn Kassel, 88, of Antonia died April 28, 2026. Mrs. Kessel worked for Farmers Bank for 40 years, serving the communities of Antonia, Imperial and Shady Valley. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Imperial and served as financial secretary for several years. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. Born Dec. 14, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Henrietta (Winheim) Franke.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years: Melvin Kassel.
She is survived by a daughter: Joan (John) Sands of Birmingham, Ala.; a son: Jerry (Jessica) Kassel of Imperial; three grandchildren: Claire (Paul) Keith of Birmingham, Ala., Matthew Kassel and Sophia Kassel of Imperial; two great-grandchildren: Henry and Walt Keith of Birmingham, Ala.; and a sister-in-law: Vera Franke of Freeburg, Ill.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: Robert Franke; a nephew: John Franke; and a niece: Judy Kremmel.
Visitation is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 6550 Hwy. 21, in Imperial. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at BreakthroughT1D.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home in Arnold.