Hepker, Janice Kay Wendel

Janice Kay Wendel Hepker, 73, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at her residence in Urbana following a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 23, at Zion Lutheran Church in Shellsburg, with the Rev. Mark Leckband officiating. Interment will be held at Urbana Cemetery near Urbana. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., Vinton, from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Janice was born Sept. 12, 1937, in Newhall, to Elwood and Faye (Higgins) Wendel. She graduated from Urbana High School in May 1956, and was united in marriage to George “Albert” Hepker Jr. on Oct. 20, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Shellsburg.

Janice enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and baking for the Benton County Fair. She was honored three years with “Best of Show” ribbons.

She will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, Albert, of 54 years, of Urbana; her daughter, Becky (Gary) Raue of Urbana; her son, Todd (Jo Ann) Hepker of Vinton; her grandchildren, Hank Raue and Eli Raue, both of Urbana, Eric Weekly of Houston, Texas, Ryan Weekly of Center Point, Sarah Smith of Urbana and Michael Hepker of Vinton; her great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Bryston and Olivia Raue; and her brother, Richard Wendel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Wendy Getty; her brother, Bill Wendel; her sister, Shirley Wendel; and her nephew, Matthew Wendel.

A memorial fund has been established.

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