Janice Smith, West Union, Iowa, April 10, 2021

Janice Yvonne Smith, 85 of West Union, Iowa passed away on Saturday April 10, 2021. Janice was born on September 1, 1935 to Elmer and Marie (Schultz) Meyer. Janice grew up in the rural Millville area and graduated from the Guttenberg High School.

Janice is the proud mother of 9 children. In her early years Janice was a farm wife, busy milking cows and raising children. In 1970 Janice received her nursed aide training through Northeast Area One School in Calmar and began a 10-year career at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. Janice also worked at North Star and Atwood in West Union until retiring due to health complications.

Janice had a special fondness for her pet birds and beautiful plants. She also liked to crochet, read, watch Gunsmoke on tv and be a big sister to her brother Gene. On any given day you could find Janice riding her bicycle well up into her 80’s with ease. Janice was a member of the Cross Fire Church, West Union. She was also a faithful volunteer, clipping articles for the Fayette Co. Historical Society. Janice’s long-term sobriety and service work with the AA community was a large part of her life. Janice voluntarily led a weekly meeting at the Correctional Facility in West Union for anyone seeking guidance. Janice was always grateful for her many lifelong friends and acquaintances this had brought her way.

Most of all Janice was proud of and had an unconditional love for her children. She would say, “they are all my children and I love them very much”. There was seldom a missed birthday or Christmas card sent to her kids from her.

Janice is survived by her eight children, Bradley (Kathy) Scherf of Farmersburg, Debbie (Dale) Wagner of Elkport, Gary (Geraldine) Scherf of St. Olaf, Robert (Tammy) Scherf of St. Olaf, Dennis (Jan) Scherf of St. Olaf, Randy (Kim) Scherf of Farmersburg, Lorene (Lindelle) Scherf of Farmersburg and Larry (Tracy) Smith of Garber. Brother, Gene (Lyn) Meyer of Dubuque. Janice is survived also by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many special friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her infant daughter Brenda Scherf.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Garnavillo City Cemetery, Garnavillo, Iowa with Pastor Leslie White as the officiant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Fayette County Historical Society, Fayette County Food Shelf and Crossfire Church.

Cards and Condolences may be sent to her son, Bob Scherf, 21689 Forest Road, St. Olaf, Iowa 52072

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.



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