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Janice Swanson

June 23, 1947 - September 9, 2023

Janice (Jan) K Swanson, 76, of Ankeny passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a short illness on September 9, 2023, at Methodist Hospital.

Jan was born June 23, 1947, in Des Moines, IA to Elvin (Al) and Jean Knudsen. She graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines in 1965 and also attended Grandview College where she obtained a liberal arts degree. Jan and Robert (Bob) Swanson were united in marriage on September 14, 1968.  Along with her husband Bob, she raised two daughters to be kind, strong, and independent women. Jan absolutely adored her grandchildren who were all very fortunate to be close to their Grandma Jan.

Jan had an entrepreneurial spirit, and following in her grandfather’s footsteps, started a successful wallpapering business that she operated for over 25 years.  Jan was very active at Zion Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, spent time with special needs children of the congregation, and sang in the choir. Jan will be remembered for her strong faith which was evident in her caring presence, radiant smile, and warm hugs.

Jan had many talents including creating a warm and inviting home that made anyone who entered feel special and welcome. She was a fabulous mother, wife, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends who were all near and dear to her heart.  She was a fierce dominos player, playing weekly with the same “Old Bitties” for over 27 years.

Jan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bob; her daughter Angela Swanson; her daughter Julie (Mark) Wittry; her grandchildren, Ben Stolley, Sydney Sands, Samantha Fredericksen, Mia Wittry, and Christian Wittry; her sister Kathy (Dennis) Johnson; her brother John (Sabine) Knudsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Al Knudsen and her brother Denny Knudsen.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church (1100 SE Sharon Dr.) in Ankeny, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.