Abe Junior Plenert

Abe Plenert, age 96, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Bethesda Home in Goessel, Kansas. He was born on February 15, 1929, in Hillsboro, Kansas, to Adolf and Helen (Hiebert) Plenert.

Abe grew up on the family farm with 4 brothers and a sister near Hillsboro, where he learned the value of hard work and faith. He attended Lighthouse Grade School and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1947. At the age of 14, Abe accepted Christ as his Savior, a commitment that shaped the rest of his life. He remained faithful in church attendance and service wherever he lived.

Abe served his country in the US Navy from 10-13-48 to 8-19-49, and the US Army from 7-24-50 to 7-23-53.

On October 15, 1950, Abe married Janice Janzen, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 75 years. Together they built a life marked by devotion, perseverance, and deep family bonds.

Abe spent his career in several roles that reflected his strong work ethic and leadership—serving as a construction foreman, ranch manager, and later as a KOA Kampground owner during his retirement years. Outside of work, he enjoyed drawing, traveling, KU basketball and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Plenert; daughter Karen Sleeth; son Jack Plenert (Cindy); son Ron Plenert (Nancy); daughter Debbie Miller (Blake); brother John Plenert; 15 grandchildren; 17 great‑grandchildren; and 9 great‑great‑grandchildren.

Abe was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lavern, Roland, Gordon, and Doris; infant brother Raymon; sons David Scott and James Bradley; and great‑granddaughter Tindley Grace Stewart.

Memorial contributions in Abe’s name may be made to Meridian Baptist Church in care of Broadway-Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at Meridian Baptist Church, Newton, Kansas. Burial with Military Rites will take place at Greenwood Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be the evening prior on Thursday, February 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 at Broadway-Colonial Funeral Home, also in Newton.