Janet Ann Greear

Janet Ann Greear

Palm Harbor, FL

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of Janet Ann Greear, 76, of Palm Harbor, Florida.

Janet was born in West Union, Iowa to John and Lois Erickson (deceased) of rural Wadena, Iowa. Janet was raised on her parents’ farm in Fayette County, Iowa, just a short distance north of Wadena where she learned to cook, drive tractors, and ride horses. Janet graduated from Fayette's Valley High School in 1966 and immediately enrolled in St. Luke's School of Practical Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

While in Nurse's training she met Vern Lee Greear, a 17-year-old High School Senior, the Son of Thomas U. and LeVerna M. Greear (deceased)of Cedar Rapids, on January 26, 1967. Thus began a love for the ages. After her Graduation as an LPN, she and Vern became engaged. Upon Vern's enlistment in the U.S. Army and subsequent assignment as an MP to Holland, Janet and Vern were married in June of 1967. Janet joined Vern the following October and they remained in Holland for the next two and a half years. Their son Thomas John Greear was born the following September of 1969. Janet, Vern, and Thomas returned to Cedar Rapids in early 1971. While living in Cedar Rapids for the next 14 years Janet worked as a LPN and Vern as Police Officer. Their Son, David Lee Greear (deceased) was born in August of 1972.

In 1985 the family moved to Palm Harbor, Florida. Janet went back to school and earned her RN degree. She worked as an OB Nurse for Doctors and Hospitals in Pinellas County and lastly at St. Pete General Hospital for many years as prenatal class instructor serving many expecting families. Janet retired in 2010.

In retirement Janet was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and suffered greatly for many years with that and from multiple failed orthopedic surgeries. Through it all Janet faced her tribulations with unbounding courage, strength, and good humor while knowing the eventual outcome.

Janet is survived locally by her husband of 56 years Vern, son Thomas and Susan Greear and grandchildren Jacob and Rachel. Additionally, brothers Kenneth (Sharon) Erickson of Dubuque, Iowa, Thomas (Deb) Erickson, of Winthrop, Iowa, Jim (Kathy) Erickson of Wadena, Iowa, and sister-in-law Vicky Greear of Marion, Iowa. Plus many many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Additionally, our much loved "surrogate" Florida family Peggy and dearly missed, Raymond Millard of Tampa, Florida and Paul and Roberta Millard of Dade City, Florida.

Janet's was a life well lived. Full of love, grace, compassion, and friendship. She will be missed.