Obituary of Janet Helen Nienstadt

               It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Helen Nienstadt. Janet passed away on June 26^th 2023, at The Oaks of Denville. Her family was with her when she passed. Janet was a longtime resident of Denville, and leaves many family members, friends, and neighbors behind.

Janet was born on March 1^st of 1936 to William and Helen Kunkel in Bayonne, New Jersey. She and her brother, William Kunkel, were raised in Jersey City. Janet graduated from St. Michael’s High School and continued her education at St. Vincent’s nursing school, earning her nursing certificate. She used this to begin her career as a caretaker. As a registered nurse, her job took many forms, but the one she loved the most was taking care of the elderly. She treasured her time at Morris View Nursing Home and enjoyed being able to spend time and care for the residents there.

In 1958, Janet married the love of her life, Joseph Nienstadt, and the couple soon began their family. After a brief time in Caldwell, NJ, the family made the move to Denville, where Janet and Joseph raised their 5 children. Janet and Joe had endless love for their children. After her husband’s unfortunate passing in 1996, she worked towards finding her inner strength and a new life.

Janet thoroughly enjoyed most spending time with her family. She adored her grandchildren, and was even blessed with a great grandchild. They were spoiled and doted on by her. One of the best memories that her family recounts is their annual vacation trips to Long Beach Island. It was truly Janet’s “home away from home”. The sun and the sand were Janet’s happy place, and so many memories were made there. Grandma or Grams was always up for a game of Rummy, Uno or Yahtzee. She was a fierce competitor, and no matter the age of her opponent, she was never one to let the other win.

In her free time, Janet kept in contact with her friends. She was an active member of the Senior Citizens of Denville and would meet them every Monday. She loved to travel and was able to do so with her family and girlfriends. She also went on many bus trips with the ladies to the casinos where they could really have some fun. Janet was also an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Denville and even served for a time as a Eucharistic Minister.

Though her passing brings us sorrow, we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited in heaven with those who passed before her; her husband, Joseph Nienstadt, and her parents, Helen and William Kunkel. Janet’s surviving family include her brother, William Kunkel, her children, Patricia Pietrzak and husband, Richard of Longs, SC, Judith McDonald and husband, Thomas of Denver, NC, Laura Nienstadt of Rockaway, NJ, Peter Nienstadt and wife, Jennifer, of Denville, NJ, Steven Nienstadt and wife, Cheri of West Caldwell, NJ, her grandchildren, Marisa Hartline (Jason), Kathryn McDonald, Kevin McDonald, Luke Nienstadt, Jake Nienstadt, Rianna Nienstadt, Aiden Nienstadt, her great grandson, Cole Hartline, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. If you would like to contribute to her memory in your own way, please consider making a memorial donation to the Joey Bella Fund, an all-volunteer organization, helping individuals and families in and around the Denville, NJ area.  A memorial donation can be made in her memory by way of www.inmemof.org.

Hours of Public Visitation for Janet are scheduled for 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 29^th, 2023, at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834 www.normandean.com. The following day, a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 30^th, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Ave, Denville, NJ. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of this wonderful woman.