Janene Kohler-Kainulainen, a lifelong Sitka resident, died on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital. She was 45.
She was born Dec. 15, 1969, in Sitka to Emma and Carroll Kohler Sr.
She married the love of her life, Dale Kainulainen, on Dec. 29, 2013.
Janene was the youngest of 10 siblings, who all agree that she was the strongest of them all. She had a heart of gold, and provided the best possible life for her children. Her nickname was Nubs or Nubsy – ask anyone in her family, they all had different reasons for how she got that nickname.
Janene often talked about her “island life,” which everyone who knew her knew she meant Japonski Island. Growing up on the island, all the children viewed each other as brothers and sisters. Janene loved island life and loved the community of trust she formed there.
After they moved to the Sitka side, the Kohlers lived in a big white house on Lake Street, and would frequently go on family vacations to the East Coast.
As Janene grew older her community of trust got larger, and she was a major contributor to that community. She worked in many positions that led her to be trustworthy and charitable to her community. She worked at SEARHC in several capacities from Patient Accounts to Urgent Care and Outpatient; she was a bus driver (her life-long goal was to drive bus #5, the same as her father), was a tour guide, taught CPR/First Aid classes, and her smiling face often greeted people waiting in construction lines - as a flagger.
Janene filled many roles over the years at Sitka Tribe of Alaska, including Home-School Liaison, STE Administrative Assistant and, her final position, Financial Assistance Caseworker.
Janene had many difficult jobs in her life, but never stopped providing the best life for her children.
One family friend writes, “Her children were her masterpiece; they inspired and loved and brought so much joy and laughter to her world.”
She has created such amazing young people: Blaine, an active duty U.S. Army Specialist; Jessica, a hardworking esthetician; and Pierce, a young boy just starting school. She was heavily involved in all of their activities from wrestling to jump rope, culture class, and jazz band. She did it all.
Janene met Dale back in 2007; their love for each other grew each passing day. She loved Dale through and through and they created many fun memories together, finally getting hitched on Dec. 29, 2013. It was a fun-filled day with family and friends from all over the country. Janene was happiest when surrounded by friends and family.
Janene will be remembered for her spunky and honest attitude, her selflessness, her pride in our country, being a die-hard Steelers fan, her fun-filled girls trips, her amazing sense of humor, her warm hugs, and her ultimate legacy – her children.
Her infectious laugh could brighten any room, steal anyone’s heart, and cure any one who was feeling down, her family said.
Janene was preceded in death by her father, Carroll Kohler, her sister, Cindy Fenwick, and her “Unc” Carl Larsen.
She is survived by her husband, Dale Kainulainen, her sons Blaine and Pierce, and her daughter, Jessica.
She is also survived by her mother, Emma Kohler; siblings Chicky Mills, Carroll (Butch) Kohler, Norman Kohler, Lewis Kohler, Susan Kohler, Clara Huntelman, Patricia “Tissy” Resch, Tommy Kohler and multiple nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and close friends.
Her family and friends will celebrate her life, 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Sitka Elks Lodge #1662. The service will begin with her Sitka Emblem sisters leading a service, followed by open mic and potluck-style reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Janene Kohler Kainulainen Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo.
