Janelle Rogene Stelk

Janelle Rogene Ackerman Stelk, 71, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in her childhood home near Phillips, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Janelle was born February 2, 1954, in Aurora to Karl and Elenora (Griess) Ackerman as the youngest of five children. She attended school in Phillips through fifth grade, Doniphan through tenth grade, and finished her school career in Aurora, graduating with the Class of 1972. When not in school, Janelle could be found on a horse. When she was only four years old, her dad brought home a two-year-old, pony-sized Quarter Horse named Diamond, “so they could grow up together.” Insisting that she saddle the pony herself, a pulley was installed so she could raise the saddle and walk her pony under it. She joined the 4-H club to learn to care for horses, and later actively showed. She started breaking horses for hire while in the sixth grade and continued through high school. In 1972, Janelle married Roderick (Rod) DeMaranville of Aurora, after his service in Vietnam. To that union their son, Traver DeMaranville, was born. Although later divorced, Janelle and her family remained good friends with Rod until his death in 2017. On August 31,1984 Janelle married Dennis Stelk of Grand Island and together they built a life at her original childhood home, which she named Hilltop Mini Ranch. Janelle always worked in agriculture. She started her first job at Stauffer Hybrids working in corn research, then transferred to NC+ working in sorghum research for 20 years. Janelle then worked for Aurora Co-op for 13 years until her retirement four years ago. Janelle continued her love for horses throughout her entire life. She was the 4-H leader of the Pony Express Riders for over 30 years. She taught kids how to take care of horses and coached them to be better riders. She started an Transitions Vaulting Team where riders perform gymnastics on a moving horse. Janelle was most proud to see all her young riders grow into “good humans” and was thrilled if they continued their interest in horses as adults. Janelle and Dennis established Nebraska Equine Assisted Therapy (NEAT) and provided horses for riding sessions for children and adults with special needs for 15 years. They were proud to see some of the riders compete in local Special Olympic competitions. In selecting horses, Janelle focused on the colorful Appaloosa breed starting in the 1970’s. She raised and trained horses throughout her adult life and loved to show versatility by riding in every type of equestrian activity. Janelle and Dennis traveled to shows in Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. She rode with the Pony Express Re-ride across Nebraska and also enjoyed trail riding and overnight camping in Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming. In 2007, Janelle was awarded the Horse Person of the Year by the Nebraska Horse Council. Janelle was asked to represent the Appaloosa breed at demonstrations at the CHI Health Center Omaha in 2017 and 2023 during the International Dressage World Cup Finals. On her beloved horse, Dot (These Spots are Hot), they competed in Western Dressage Association of America competitions. In their first year, they were champion at First and Second Level, and the following year won High Score Third Level Musical Freestyle and earned the Register of Excellence for lifetime cumulative points. Janelle convinced many of her retired friends to get back into riding, calling them the “Late to Bloom Cowgirls.” Janelle helped organize horse shows, most recently the Gettin’ Ranchy shows, which are currently very popular. She was always coming up with ideas to get people involved in showing horses. In 2025, the Nebraska State Fair honored Janelle with the Ronnie Miller Ambassador of Agriculture Award, thanking her for promoting equine events at the Nebraska State Fair. Janelle’s house is filled with ribbons, trophies, and champion belt buckles, but friendships she developed and special times with family meant the most to her. Janelle is survived by her husband Dennis Stelk of Phillips; her son, Traver DeMaranville (Beth Wood) of Doniphan; her sister, Karen (Duane) Gruener of Phillips; her sister-in-law, Darlene Ackerman of Hastings; her step-daughters, Bobbi Jo (Darren) Parlin of Wood River, and Jennifer (Chad) Fischer of Grand Island; her grandchildren, Haley Jo Parlin Mazour (Jimmy) of Lawrence, Abby Parlin of Wood River, Faith Parlin of Fairmont, Lucas Fischer of Lincoln, and Landon Fischer of Lincoln; her great-grandson Sullivan Mazour of Lawrence; her nieces, nephew, cousins, and many dear friends. Janelle was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister Colleen Ann Ackerman; brother Arlen Dean Ackerman; and brother Allan “Butch” Karl Ackerman, sister-in-law Joann Ackerman; and nephew Michael Eugene Gruener. All Faiths Funeral Home will host visitation on Thursday January 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m., with service live-streamed on their website. To celebrate Janelle, wearing purple, her favorite color, is appreciated. A reception will follow at Phillips Community Hall. Burial will be held in the spring on April 24th at 2 p.m. at the Phillips Cemetery.

Janelle Rogene Stelk

February 2, 1954 - January 14, 2026

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Janelle Rogene Stelk

February 2, 1954 - January 14, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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About Us

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Grief & Healing

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