Abby Jansen

Abigail (Abby) Katherine Jansen, 17, of Kelso, MO passed away November 29, 2020 in a tragic car accident near her family home. She was born October 27, 2003 in Saint Louis, MO to Tom and Amy (Berkbuegler) Jansen.

She was a junior at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, MO and member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, MO. Her many academic and sporting accomplishments include: National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Biology Student of the Year, Music Student of the Month, ND All Conference Swimmer and State Participant. She also served as the Boys’ Swim Team Manager. An integral part of her life, Abby swam seven years for the Scott City Dolphins and a year for River City Aquatics and Southeast Swim Club.

Abby was a twin, a half that made her and her sister whole. She and Lexi squabbled like sisters do, yet they swam together, discussed where they’d meet in the middle when speculating college choices, even started a business together at 16. With all their similarities, their differences brought out the best in each.

Outgoing, with a positive attitude and big ambition, Abby had aspirations of becoming a doctor and surgeon. Her giving and uplifting spirit can be seen in her memberships in Peer Helpers and WINGS (Women in God’s Service) – along with her countless hours of volunteer work at St. Augustine Catholic School in Kelso. Self-taught on the guitar, she helped lead many Masses at St. Augustine and Notre Dame and played for family enjoyment.

A lifelong passion for baking – and an addiction to watching cake frosting videos – led to the birth of Twin Treats Bakery. An entrepreneurial experiment to help fund the many extracurriculars of active teenage girls, Abby and Lexi together created hundreds of beautifully decorated cakes and cupcakes.

Abby shared a passion for the outdoors with her dad and brother Jack. Fishing and turkey and deer hunting were favorite pastimes and she loved late-night Ranger rides on the farm. Going on “dates” was also a family favorite – in Mom’s bed as they watched Christmas Hallmark movies together – and with Dad to Steak & Shake where they would name his new work trucks. Abby also loved date nights with friends for sushi or Rosati’s cookies or a Grey’s Anatomy binge watch.

She loved random overnight visits with her Mimi and Papa and took great pride in being the trainer of the “Star Puppy” at training school with the family pup, Finley.

Described by friends as supportive, helpful and having a very big presence in the room, Abby was the kind of friend who included everyone, checked up on people and kept friends updated on all the details.

And Abby loved to sleep...hard. Sleeping in, after-school naps, naps before and after swim team practice. She must’ve needed the energy to support her many passions – and to be the only one to remember the family’s WiFi password!

Star student. Musician. Outdoor enthusiast. Entrepreneur. Exceptional friend with a flair for goofiness. Abby gave great hugs and filled our lives with joy and laughter.

Abby’s short life will be forever celebrated by her surviving parents, sister Lexi and brother Jack. Also surviving are: maternal grandparents, Larry and Debby (DuBois) Berkbuegler; maternal great-grandmother, Ida Berkbuegler; paternal grandfather, Jim Ford; aunts and uncles, Chad Berkbuegler, Mary Patrice (Robert) Scheer, Mike (Tricia) Jansen, Susan Jansen, John (Missy) Jansen, David (Mary) Jansen, Greg (Kathy) Jansen, Krista (Johnny) Kluesner, and Debbie (Mark) Perry, plus a multitude of cousins that loved Abby fiercely.

She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Martin Jansen and Mary Jane (Drury) Jansen Ford.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, MO. Immediate family will gather at 3:00 pm, followed by family and friends at 4:00 pm. Parish prayers will be at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 10:00 am at Notre Dame High School. Burial will follow in the St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Kelso, MO. The family requests masks be worn for both the visitation and funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Regional High School (265 Notre Dame Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701).