Janet Ruth Kresel

(nee Erdwein) On April 16, 2026, of Washington Twp. Age 92. Beloved wife of the late William V. Kresel, Sr. Devoted mother of Penny Mossbrucker (Frederick) and Wiliam Kresel, Jr. (Vince). Loving grandmother of Caitlyn Mossbrucker, Hayley Smith (Nick), and Lindsay Bagherpour (David). Cherished great-grandmother of Jack Smith, Riley Smith, and Noelle Bagherpour. Dear sister of the late William Erdwein and Marie Hess. Loved by nieces and nephews Bonnie Hirschmann (the late S. William), Vicky Ewald (John) and William Kenneth Erdwein, Jr. (Susan).

Janet was born in 1933 and lived her entire life on Ganttown Road in Washington Township when Ganttown was only a dirt road!  Her parents Bill and Naomi Erdwein were farmers on land that is now the location of St. John’s Church.  The farm also spanned across Ganttown Road to land that is now part of the Birches Development. She grew up picking potatoes and tomatoes, living the farm family life with her older siblings Marie and Bill.  At that time, Washington Township did not have a high school, so upon eighth grade graduation from the township schools she attended and graduated from Glassboro High School in 1951.  She had fond memories of high school making several close lifelong friends and participating as a cheerleader for Glassboro High!

Janet Married William “Bill” Kresel, Sr. in February 1953 after he returned from the Korean War.  They built “Bill’s Barbershop” next to their home on Ganttown Road.  As a married couple with young children, they were active members of St. John’s Methodist Church originally located on the corner of Greentree Road and Black Horse Pike in Turnersville.  Janet sang in the church choir and was also the Sunday School secretary for many years.

When St. John’s opened their Nursery School, Janet was one of the first employees; starting out as St. John’s Nursery School Secretary and then in the classroom for many years as a teacher’s aide.

In Janet’s later years, she and her husband Bill were members of “Forever Young”.  A Senior Citizen’s group that is part of Gloucester County Community Church.  Janet loved her children Penny and Bill dearly. After her husband’s sudden passing in 2005, Janet was kept very busy helping her daughter Penny with three young daughters.  She adored Caitlyn, Hayley and Lindsay! She more recently was so happy with her new role as Great Grandmom to Jack, Riley and Noelle.

Janet was a Believer with a strong Christian faith, having accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 23. Her life truly reflected Christ living in her.

Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing Monday 10:00 – 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church, 149 Ganttown Road, Turnersville, NJ 08012. Funeral Service 11:15 AM. Interment Cedar Green Cemetery, Clayton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s memory may be made to St. John’s Church of Turnersville, Mortgage Principal Reduction Donation, at the address listed above.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”