Janet Gayle Von Lehmden

Janet Gayle Von Lehmden

Independence

Janet Gayle Von Lehmden, 82, of Independence, IA, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein, IA.

Jan was born on November 4, 1942, in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of Glenn and Beatrice (Tarbert) Stoner. The family lived in Waterloo for three years, then moved to Brandon, IA.

She attended the Brandon community schools, graduating with the Class of 1960. Jan was a gifted athlete, homecoming queen, and a friend to all. She remained in contact with many of her classmates over the years and always cherished her memories of growing up in Brandon.

On April 20, 1963, she married John Von Lehmden at St. John Church in Independence and they made their home in Independence. John passed away in February 2009.

After high school, Jan began working as an Nurse’s Aide at the Mental Health Institute (MHI), in Independence. She went on to work various jobs in Independence, including at Corn Blossom, Shaw’s Plumbing & Heating, and Hess Pharmacy. She returned to working at MHI in 1988 and continued there until her retirement. She most enjoyed working in the geriatric unit, caring for the elderly.

Her family was everything to Jan. She was a proud and busy grandmother; attending her grandchildren’s volleyball games and cross country meets, band concerts and show choir performances were her favorite things to do. She loved to stay active, going for walks, working outside in the yard, and always pitching in to help her kids with their various home improvement projects. Throughout her life, Jan was a giver—always doing whatever she could to make those around her happy.

She was a member of St. John Catholic Church and the St. John Rosary Society in Independence.

Jan is survived by a son, Terry (Kelly) Von Lehmden of Marion, and a daughter, Lisa (Kraig) Kirchhoff of Independence. Five grandchildren: Morgan (Michael) Redmond, Sydney Von Lehmden, and Ellie Von Lehmden (Austin Burroughs), all of Marion, IA; Colin (Kimberly) Kirchhoff of Johnston, IA; and McKenna Kirchhoff of Grimes, IA. Two great-grandchildren: Carter and Jace Redmond of Marion, IA. Two sisters-in-law, Lois Doyle of Cedar Rapids, IA and Betty Von Lehmden of Rowley, IA; and a brother-in-law, LeRoy Thoma of Madison, WI, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her sister’s kids were also very special to Jan: Rhonda Hartman, Shawn Stenner, Brian Norris, Rick Norris, and Robin Moore; as were her Aunt Norma and Uncle Ed Epland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son Thomas in infancy; her parents, Glenn and Bea Stoner; sister, Maxene Norris; mother-in-law and father-in-law, LaVern and Olga Von Lehmden; and in-laws: Frank and Mary Tarpy, Agnes Thoma, Jim Doyle, and Tom Von Lehmden

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church with Very Rev. David Beckman presiding. Burial will be held at St. Johns Cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be held from 2 PM until 5 PM on Sunday at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. A Parish Vigil Service will be held at 5 PM on Sunday at the funeral home.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.