Janie Thannisch of Fort Worth dies at 81; family genealogy notebooks to TCU

Janie Thannisch, who resided in Fort Worth her entire life, passed away on Nov. 1, 2026. She was 81 years old and had been born in the city on Nov. 28, 1944.

Thannisch spent years documenting the history of her family, the Thannisch name, which owned numerous properties in the Fort Worth Stockyards and on the city's North Side. She recorded her findings in several notebooks, which are now scheduled for donation to the archives at Texas Christian University.

Her professional and social life in Fort Worth involved active membership in several local organizations. These included The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, The Fort Worth Garden Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also served on the board of the Fort Worth Lecture Foundation.

Thannisch was a dedicated supporter of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she served on the Board of Visitors and as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary. She also contributed to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, the Sandy Creek Foundation, and the Salvation Army.

A member of Christ Chapel Bible Church, Thannisch maintained a daily routine that prioritized reading her Bible. She enjoyed attending musical programs at her church and the seminary, as well as events in other local venues. Her daily schedule allowed time for visiting friends and researching her family genealogy.

Her parents, Walter Thannisch, Jr., and Hazel Geneva Thannisch, predeceased her. The family plans to hold a visitation at Christ Chapel at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. at the same location.

Burial will take place at Greenwood Memorial Park, located at 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth 76107. A reception is set for 2:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home, situated at 3344 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth 76107.