Memorial
Janet Arlene Thulin passed away peacefully July 9,2026. Born in Prairie du Chien, WI her life of music began at an early age.
Janet moved to Cedar Rapids, IA to play French horn in the Cedar Rapids Symphony and to teach at Hoover Elementary. She also met and married E. Charles Thulin, and engineer at Collins Radio and this would begin her family life in Cedar Rapids, IA.
One of the earliest musical memories in her life was trying out for the high school band while in the fourth grade. Janet continued her musical life and graduated from St. Olaf College. Janet joined the Cedar Rapids Symphony and played the French horn for over 40 years. At one point she was president of both the Beethoven Club and the East Central District of the Iowa Music Teachers Association, while being a member of the National Piano Teachers Guild. Her love of music and commitment to her faith also gave her the opportunity to be the Director of Music and choir director at St. Andrew Lutheran Church for many years. She influenced too many people to list as she taught piano lessons at Mt. Mercy College and in her home. Her commitment ran deep for the love of music as she often hosted piano recitals and accompanied many students during State Contest. Her love for The Arts also included attending many productions at Theater Cedar Rapids and other area theaters. She never denied an opportunity to play the piano, French horn, accompany a student, or sing in a choir. She attended Cedar Rapids band concerts in the area parks for many years and would invite anybody willing to go with her. Her membership in the Cedar Rapids Concert Corale was also an enjoyment she loved to participate in for many years. Her and Grandpa would often load the grandkids up in the van to travel to musical performances, or on vacation. Appropriately, the last movie she watched was The Sound of Music!
Her competitive side kept her fit playing tennis at the CR Recreation Center for many years. Water aerobics also kept her fit well into her 70's. She was awarded many times for her commitment to her health in the TOPS group she was a member of for years. She would often cram her schedule so she could watch the latest sports broadcast on TV. Following the tennis Grand Slam tournaments the most. Janet relished being active and on the move all the time.
She is survived by her children, Carl, Jane Valentine (Dave), Paul (Lisa); Grandchildren, Jordan, Amanda and Josh Larson; Chelsea and Trevor Thulin; Erin Sallady (Jacob) Megan Kenny (Andrew); Great Grandchildren, Addison, Theo.
She is proceeded in death by her husband E. Charles.
Visitation will be held Tuesday July 14, 2026, from 4pm to 7pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, IA. Visitation also July 15, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. Funeral Service at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 4420 Center Point Rd. N.E., Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402. Interment will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
Memorial Contributions may be given to St. Andrew Lutheran Church.