Janet Ellen Thune

Janet Ellen Thune

Cedar Rapids

On Oct. 13, 2023, Janet Ellen Thune passed away at the age of 94. She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to William and Icel Brown in 1929. Janet spent the majority of her life in her hometown, where she eventually met her future husband, Robert Thune. Janet and Bob were married in March of 1950 and raised four children together. When Bob retired in 1986, they moved to Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Janet enjoyed entertaining. She hosted Christmas Eve parties for more than 90 friends and relatives for over 35 years. She also enjoyed hosting Bob’s business clients from Japan and Italy, and the pair often traveled overseas as well. Janet was a supporter of the arts and an avid crafter, specializing in hand-woven baskets, and was a member of the Basket Artisans of Arizona for many years. Instructing students and family members in the art of basket weaving as well as other creative endeavors brought her a lot of joy. Camping and fishing were also an important part of Bob and Janet’s life together. They explored many national parks across the U.S. and Canada, imparting their deep love and appreciation for the great outdoors to their children and grandchildren.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, William and Icel Brown; and her sister, Joy. She is survived by her daughters Becky (Doug) Gleason of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Margy (Brad) Krause of Fountain Hills, Ariz.; and her sons Ed Thune (Gaby Tardiff) of Lakewood, Wash.; and Scott (Mary Jane) Thune of Ames, Iowa; her grandchildren, Krys (Chase) Malara; Ben (Christy) Gleason; Matthew Krause; Michael (Kaitlyn) Krause; Nick (Sam) Krause; Erin Thune (Elliot Holt); Evan (Sadie) Thune; and her great-grandchildren Nick and Josie Malara; Anthony, Bailey, Cadence and Amelia Thune; Shiloh, Urijah and Klemen Krause; and Maeve Krause. Also, her brother Bill Brown of Marion, Iowa, and two sisters, Wilma (Al) Clary of Sand Springs, Okla., and Mary Ann Gregory of Glenwood, Iowa.

We loved our fiercely independent and strongly opinionated mother/grandmother/great-grandmother. She wasn’t perfect and she could be a bit of a crispy cookie at times, but she was our cookie and we loved her. She will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization that encourages creativity and the exploration of art.

A celebration of her life will be held next fall in Iowa.