Such a beautifully orchestrated sharing and celebration of life of such a wonderful, talented ,giving, and loving Jan! You will be missed by so many! Job well done Pastors Bibb!
Jan Cook
February 28, 2021
Such a sad loss for the many that knew & loved Janette. An honor to have known her. Bill was in her high school grad class at McKinley & Jan was our youngest sons 5th & 6th grade gym teacher. Such an accomplished lady. Please accept our condolences.
Bill & Barb Schriever
February 27, 2021
Thank you for a most beautiful service for a beautiful lady. It was a thrill to see" Jan's boys" all grown and successful. Thank you Lord. Thank you Linda and Steve for sharing your love.
Elaine S. Fox
February 27, 2021
To the family ,
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. Our paths crossed in 1999 with EC Iowa Special Olympics. She was an amazing woman! We spent a lot of time together planning for competition. We also spent a lot of time sharing our lives. She loved teaching, spending time with brother in California, doing things with the church and helping others. Jan will be missed by so many people! She touched many, many lives, especially mine!
Sally Briggs
February 26, 2021
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jan. What an amazing person! She was my PE teacher at Squaw Creek, my mentor when I became a PE teacher and later in life, my friend. She encouraged me to do the punt, pass and kick contest and she helped me become one of the first girls to play on a boys baseball team in Cedar Rapids. She pushed me to fight for my rights as a female. She loved life, loved students and always fought for equal treatment of every individual. Such a devastating loss. I will miss her dearly.
Stacey Friauf
February 25, 2021
Jan was a wonderful teacher—- dedication, patience, kindness. Watching her use her small Snoopy dog to direct and calm the students was genius. So many life lessons were learned from Jan. Truly a blessing to have worked with Jan. Heaven has a new gym teacher.
Carol Olson
February 24, 2021
I knew Jan for years as a fellow physical education teacher and a friend. She helped me with my volleyball program at Kennedy as an announcer-she was special. She always had a beautiful smile and an encouraging word for everyone. She was one of the best and I’m glad she was part of my life. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Rose Elvidge
February 24, 2021
I was Jannette's roommate in the early 60's when we were both single and teaching in Grundy Center. My brother in Marion called me when he saw Jannette's Obituary in the Gazette. I am so sorry.
She was loved in Grundy Center as Miss Reece and her obituary will be published in the Grundy Register next week.
Joan Weltha Rouse
February 24, 2021
Jan was always a great class mate that was liked by all. She was a very caring person and always had a great smile. She will be missed by all of us. May she Rest In Peace. Jim& Sue Dyer
Jim Dyer
February 24, 2021
I was so very fortunate to meet Jan as a parent at Cleveland school. It was clear to me that she was a very special lady who cared deeply for her students. Starting in 1990 when my daughter started Kindergarten to 2000 when my son was in 5th grade I was blessed over again to become friends and work together on projects. Both my children loved her and always talked about her. Through Jan I became involved with Special Olympics for many years. My daughter also was active with her too. My heart breaks for your great loss but I know she touched so many people's lives that she still lives on in them and all the memories. Rest in Peace friend.
Kathy Long
Kathy Long
February 24, 2021
Jan will be forever missed She was always so kind and caring and willing to lend a hand.She took my son under her wing and was also his conformand for confirmation.Loved visiting her ,RIP Jan ,well done servant,well done. Barb Soukup
Barb Soukup
February 24, 2021
Jan was the best! She was someone who always looked out for everyone at Salem Church from the high points (finding and moving into our current location) to the low points (flood of 2008). She was a great mentor for me through conformation and will be GREATLY missed! Love your special man. -Kyler
Kyler Soukup
February 24, 2021
I am so saddened to hear of Jan’s death. She was such a good friend of my Moms (Joan Petersen), and a longtime member of The 5 J’s. Jan followed my high school basketball career as closely as my parents did, and made me a scrapbook when I graduated filled with every clipping from the Gazette. I always loved all of her awesome sweatsuits and her work with Special Olympics was an inspiration to me. I last saw Jan when she came to my Mom’s visitation in July 2019, and we held hands and talked for a very long time. I will hold that memory in my heart forever as she was one of the last connections to my Mom. I know they are enjoying coffee and good conversation again in heaven. The world has lost one of the good ones!!
Sue Petersen Sohrweide
February 23, 2021
Jan and I have had a long and special relationship- from Palo to Squaw Creek including many years (20 plus) helping with Special Olympics. Jan was always a positive influence on everyone who was fortunate enough to have known her- and there are many of us. My kids (Doug, Deb, Brad) grew up being spoiled and loved by Jan - we visited her as a family during Christmas time 2019 and had a wonderful visit at the Villages. One special memory from Squaw Creek while I was office secretary with Bill Quinby - the kids actually thought her name was “Gym” because we referred to her as the Gym teacher. So many fond memories- her jump roping classes, love of children and friends. A truly beautiful person who will be missed. Love you Jan. Linda Harrison
Linda Harrison
February 23, 2021
Jan and I sat together in the alto section of the Salem choir. We always enjoyed singing the wonderful music. She was a beautiful, warm and loving person, always ready to give everyone a big hug.
Debra Dunek
February 23, 2021
Ms. Hutchinson was more than a "OUR" gym teacher. She was a mentor, leader and good friend. My mother sent 7 kids to Squaw Creek elementary, and she taught us all not just about how to shoot a basketball, or ice skate, she taught us about life. A lot of tears are being shed today, she will always resonate in my heart, the love we had for her is still within us today. May she rest in peace and condolences to the family.
Adam Wright
February 23, 2021
Ms. Hutchison was my gym teacher at Noelridge Elementary. She was an exceptional teacher, consistently motivating us to be the best we could be. Her legacy will live on forever. A very caring individual who truly loved kids and teaching. My sympathies to the family.
Linda Skvor
February 23, 2021
I had the opportunity to work with Jan, I have never met anyone more dedicated to the welfare of kids.
Bill McNiel
February 23, 2021
Mrs Hutchinson was one of my favorite teachers at Squaw Creek Elementary in Cedar Rapids. I know I speak for many families (and generations!) when I share that her love, patience and guidance was instrumental in me becoming who I am today. We all remember her great track sweatsuits, the climbing rope, gymnastics (especially the trampolines), her whistle and the dozens and dozens of activities that she lead to show us how fun being physically fit could be, but more importantly, how working as a team was the best way to get any job done. Her kindness, generosity and spirit will live on in all of us that were blessed to know her and learn from her.
Kathy Machula Moore
February 23, 2021
Ms. Hutchison was my gym teacher at Kenwood Elementary when I was in 6th grade - around 1972. I had just lost my Dad and although she never mentioned it, I know she knew. She spent extra time with me and was always so encouraging. I'm 60 years old today, and have seen her many times over the years. She never forgot me and more importantly, I never forgot her ... because of her kindness, caring, genuineness. Thank you Ms. Hutchison for making a difference in my life.
Jaye Kennedy
February 23, 2021
Jan and I go back to childhood at Salem Church. Teen years we played girl's basketball. This was way before our schools had girl's basketball. She was one of the most caring and loving people I knew--always helping--always showing love to others. She was a wonderful teacher helping so many children. In her later years she saw a lady struggling to walk by her house. The lady had a bad knee. She cleaned hotel rooms. Jan went out and offered her a ride and continued to do this daily. Picked her up after work and took her home. I will miss her. God has a new angel.
Elaine S. Fox
February 23, 2021
Jan was one of the most extraordinary people I have met in my life. She welcomed me to Salem Church, made sure that I met schoolmates from Roosevelt High School that attend Salem, and introduced me to Pastor Linda Bibb who Jan was positive I would love! She was absolutely right! Pastor Linda and I formed a forever bond through our love of horses, while Jan and I shared our love of dogs. Jan showed me ways I could help my fellow man, especially immigrants in our city. Helping Jan help others was always a special blessing. She loved everyone! I will always miss her.
Carole Gauger
February 22, 2021