Dr. Janet Weiss, 61, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Janet was born on September 14, 1963, in Weld County, Colorado, to the late Donald Edward and Marilyn Ellen (Wilson) Weiss, and grew up in La Porte.

She was the middle of three children. Her older brother, James, preceded her in 2019 and her younger brother, John, preceded her in 2012.

She is survived by an aunt and cousins and her beloved Maple City Animal Hospital staff family.

Dr. Janet was a member of and baptized at the First Baptist Church in La Porte. She graduated from La Porte High School in 1982.

Dr. Janet was drawn to animals from an early age, and felt an obligation to help care for animals for as long as she could remember. She attended pre-veterinary studies at Purdue N. Central regional campus. She worked as a kennel assistant, vet assistant, and grooming assistant until being admitted to Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her externship senior vet year was at a Chicago-area exotic pet practice. She graduated with a DVM degree in 1991.

Dr. Janet’s first veterinary job was with a local veterinarian assisting on farm calls, small animal veterinary work, and emergencies.

In 1996, Dr. Janet bought Heinold Animal Hospital on Jackson Street, which became Maple City Animal Hospital. In July 2004, she designed and built a new animal hospital on Fail Road. She practiced veterinary medicine for over 33 years. She enjoyed seeing pets grow up over the years, and enjoyed solving veterinary mysteries.

Dr. Janet’s hobbies included crafting, sewing, puzzles, mystery novels, and gardening, besides caring for her own and the community’s pets.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 12 noon to 3 PM, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Praise Tabernacle Church, 1901 Ohio Street, La Porte, Indiana.

Cremation has taken place with Frank L. Keszei Funeral, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

A private burial will take place at Kingsbury Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte County, Jane Bernard Animal Shelter, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Janet’s life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.