Janet Fern Wilhelm

Janet Fern Wilhelm (LaBreche) was born on June 30, 1949, in Denver, Colorado.  After a life filled with love and laughter, she peacefully passed on August 7, 2023, at home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after bravely battling ovarian cancer.  

Janet is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jeff Wilhelm, sons, Scott Wilhelm and David Wilhelm (Heather).  Janet also leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Ashley Wilhelm and Jeffrey Wilhelm, her brother Butch LaBreche (Linda) and sister Sherrie LaBreche (Donna). She leaves behind many brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.  Janet was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Colleen McCloskey.    

Janet was born in Denver, Colorado and grew up in Post Falls, Idaho where she met Jeff Wilhelm in 1965.  They were married on August 26, 1967, in Post Falls, Idaho.  Jeff and Janet lived in the Spokane Valley for 20 years while raising their sons.  She worked as a salon manager at Fantastic Sams in the valley for several years.  In 1993, Jeff and Janet moved to Harbor Island where she made new friends, grew beautiful flowers, and designed the perfect yard. Janet adored her grandchildren and loved to just sit and listen to them tell stories of their adventures and banter with each other. Janet was always the greatest cheerleader and supporter for her sons and grandchildren. Whether it be at basketball, football, soccer, car races, demolition derbies, home purchases, remodels, weddings, dog sitting, Janet was always present and the first one to offer encouragement and whatever support was needed at the time.  

In retirement, Janet enjoyed annual trips down south “to go home” for visits with friends and family; but mostly to spend time at her “most favorite” casinos in Las Vegas.  Janet loved family gatherings for birthday dinners, hosting large family get-togethers at the river where she could catch up with all the life and adventure stories, visiting with friends over dinner or a card table, watching Nascar or basketball.  Janet loved to decorate and find DIY projects not only for her to create but projects for Jeff as well, even though she knew Jeff never really wanted another project. She had a knack for thinking outside of the box and always loved sharing her grand ideas and opinions with her loved ones.     

Janet leaves behind a legacy of love, family, laughter and sassiness. She lived life wholeheartedly on her own terms, and never ceased to encourage her loved ones to do the same. We genuinely believe that the only regret that Janet left this world with was that the damn cat outlived her.   

At Janet’s behest there will not be a service.  The family appreciates the love and support shown and encourages all to remember and honor the enduring spirit of a remarkable woman. Arrangements by English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’ Alene.