"I was a member of the Red Hat Ladies group of Lakota with Janice. She was such a sweet and classy lady! I enjoyed visiting with her and having fun at events. She lived chatting about her sons and her grandchildren! May she rest in peace. "
In loving memory of
Janice Wirtjes
July 13, 1936 - March 7, 2020
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church, Ledyard. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church, Ledyard.
Janice Margret Rose Ziegler was born into the family of Leander and Anetta Ziegler on July 13, 1936. She was one of nine children born to her parents. Janice graduated from Winnebago High-school in 1956.
On June 22,1957, she married Richard Mensing. Janice and Richard welcomed their son, Timothy, in March 1958. Richard passed away in October 1963. Janice married Gordon Wirtjes in October 1964 and moved with Timothy to Gordon's Lakota homestead. Gordon and Janice welcomed into the family their son, William (Bill), in March 1972.
Gordon and Janice worked the family farm in Iowa until 1986, when Gordon retired. Gordon passed away in October 2010. Janice remained on the Lakota farm place until the fall of 2018. Due to health concerns, she moved to the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center, in January of 2019, where she resided until her passing on Saturday, March 7, 2020.
Janice was an active member of Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church in Ledyard; where she belonged to the church's Widow's group and the Ladies Auxiliary. Along with her church organizations and activities, Janice kept busy as a member of the Red Hat Ladies, engaging in her love for puzzle books and tending her flower gardens.
Janice is survived by her sons, Tim (Laura) Wirtjes of Lone Tree, CO, and William (Joanne) Wirtjes of Sheboygan, WI; her grandchildren, Ahna (Tony) Baglien, Zachary, Mathew and Ryan Wirtjes; sisters, Sandy(Richard) Kennedy, Carol (Richard) Fryman, Lea Ann (Gary) Paulson, Marge Lunning, and sister in law Beverly Ziegler as well as many other loved family members. She is leaving behind many long friends as well.
In addition to Richard and Gordon, she was preceded in death by her parents, Leander and Anetta Ziegler, her brothers Francis, David, Kermit and her sister Yvonne.
Tributes
"So very sorry for your loss! Aunt Janice was always so sweet. "
"So sorry for your loss. LeAnn Valentine"
"Tim and Bill--your mom was one classy lady--I so loved visiting with your dad and your mom--and babysitting!!--Tim taught me how to cook chicken and beef pot pies--the best of neighbors--may you find peace in knowing that God will grant you comfort today and always-Love your neighbor always!-Sara Vriesen"