Janet Ann Wheeler

Janet Ann Wheeler

Keystone

Janet Ann Wheeler, 71, of Keystone, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at her family farm in Watkins.

Jan was born on April 25, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Joyce (Deklotz) Wheeler. She was the second oldest of nine children.

After graduating from Benton Community in 1969, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Mount Mercy College. In 1985 she followed in her sister Diane’s footsteps and joined the State Department’s Foreign Service. During her 25-year career she was stationed in 10 different countries which included postings in Kinshasa, Zaire, Africa; Prague, Czechoslovakia; Federated States of Micronesia; Hong Kong, China; Stockholm, Sweden; Belize City, Belize; Tokyo, Japan; Rome, Italy; Muscat, Oman; and Manama, Bahrain.

After retirement, Jan settled down in Keystone, Iowa, and began working at the Community Clothes Closet of Tama where her specialty was reconditioning donated toys into new treasures.

Jan enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing bingo, a yearly fishing trip to Okoboji, crossword puzzles, and playing bridge. We often jokingly referred to her as “parsimonious,” but in reality, her generosity was second to none.

Jan is survived by her mother, Joyce; seven siblings, twin brother Joe (Meg), Mike (Susan), Sue (Bud) Moore, Jean (Jerry) Jurgens, Andy (Pat), Ann (Dennis) Junge and John; 14 nieces and nephews, Chad, Tim, Jeremy, Scott, Christina, Jackie, Josie, Ryan, Jacob, Samantha, Heath, Ben, Taylor and Clayton, and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald; her sister, Diane; and grandparents, Gilbert and Velma Deklotz and Lester and Leone Wheeler

We would like to thank Dr. Bell and UnityPoint Hospice Team for all of their support, guidance and comfort during this difficult time.

On Nov. 25 a joint “Celebration of Life” will be held for Janet, and her sister Diane, who passed five weeks earlier. The celebration will be held at the Blairstown Community Center, Blairstown, Iowa, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.