Janelle Benedict Janelle Benedict left this physical world on Monday Feb. 19th, 2024. In loving memory of Janelle, the family would like to invite you to the funeral service, which will take place at the Bellwood United Methodist Church, 606 S Warren Street, Bellwood Nebraska on Wed August 28, 2024 at 1pm.
Janelle was born in Columbus, Nebraska and grew up in Bellwood, a small farming community in the beautiful Platte Valley. Her parents, Frank and Lillian, took every opportunity to instill in their kids a deep appreciation for the nature and wildlife of Nebraska and the beauty of God's creation, and they taught them early on that Cornhusker football is much more than a sport but a way of Nebraska life. Janelle, the 1971 prom queen, graduated from David City High School and attended Kearney State College and Platte Technical Community College.
She proudly served her country as a MP in the United States Army, enlisted in 1976 at a time when the Military Police Corp opened up to women for the first time. She was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and the American Spirit Honor Medal. Janelle was one of the last groups of women to receive training as a WAC in the Women's Army Corp before it was disestablished and women began training with men.
After completing her tour of duty as an MP, Janelle served as a Correctional Officer with the Indiana Department of Corrections, working in a maximum security prison while seeking employment as a police officer in a civilian department. At a time when few women were being accepted into law enforcement Janelle secured a position at the Bloomington Police Department in 1987. She worked her way up through the ranks and at the time of her retirement in 2014, she held the rank of Deputy Chief of Police, the first woman to hold this position.
Janelle graduated with honors from the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville. Janelle was a longtime volunteer for Area 10 Agency on Aging and served in both their Caring Companion Program and Meal Delivery Programs. She was a lifelong member of the Bellwood United Methodist Church and attended St.
Paul United Methodist Church locally. She was also a member of American Legion Post 327. Janelle is survived by her best friend, soul mate, and "activities director" of 29 years Ruth (Manny) Harpool.
She is also survived by her siblings, brother (Spiritual Guide) Mike and his wife Cheryl Benedict of Bellwood, sister Deb Benedict of Bellwood, nephews Erik Hollmann and Arin Hollmann, nieces Crystal Hollmann, Wendy Fisher and husband Matt. Other surviving loved ones include several great nieces and nephews, cousins and her crazy dog Ferris Wheel and pretty black kitty Butter Cup. Janelle was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister Connie Hollmann.
Janelle has generously bequeathed her body to science. It was Janelle's wish that rather than sending a gift or flowers that you honor her memory by donating blood, becoming an organ or tissue donor, or by bequeathing your body to science as she did. In Lieu of such donation, Janelle requests that you prominently display our nation's flag on your property and that you ensure that the flag remains well-maintained and serviceable.
Janelle believed very deeply in American exceptionalism, and she felt that our country's symbol of freedom, our very own "Old Glory," should be handled with respect and displayed in a manner that brings honor to our nation. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care provided to Janelle by: Dr. Jackie Joyce, Dr.
Fadi Haddad, Dr. Rebecca Cohen, Dr. Jamie Bales, Dr.
Tom Hrisomalos, and Dr. Prodyot Ghosh, and their staffs, as well as the professional staffs, nurses, and doctors of the IU Health Home Hospice Program. Janelle has been truly blessed to have been cared for by such qualified, caring, dedicated, and professional experts.
The family's deepest gratitude cannot be overstated! All praise be to God for the special talents, skills, and commitments of those who have chosen the medical field path and may God continue to watch over and encourage you as your achievements lead the paths for others wishing to make such a difference. Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox..
