Janice Van Meter

Janice Van Meter

Monticello

Janice was born Janice Marie Leytem on April 20, 1957, in Monticello. She was adopted and raised by her aunt and uncle, Betty and Vern Wirtner. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1975 and entered Iowa State University the same year. While at ISU, she met her future husband, David Van Meter.

While Dave began his tour as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, Janice completed her degree, graduating from ISU with a B.S. in horticulture in 1979. Dave and Janice were married in June of 1979 and shortly after moved to Yokosuka, Japan, where Dave was homeported. During this time, Janice was a housewife, and her son Jared was born at the Naval Medical Center in Yokosuka. Upon returning to the States, Dave and Janice moved to Virginia, first in Springfield and later in Woodbridge. Janice entered the retail job market, eventually managing stores for Walden Books, B. Dalton and Electronics Boutique. During this time, her son James was born at Fairfax Hospital. After leaving Electronics Boutique, she once again became a housewife raising her sons, reading, growing African Violets and Orchids and taking care of her cats. Janice passed away on April 22, 2023, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital after losing a year-long battle with cancer.

Janice is survived by her husband of 44 years, David Van Meter; two sons, Jared and James; two daughters-in-law, Amy and Fayth; a grandson, Ember; and a granddaughter, Juniper.

A visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, June 5, at the Goettsch Funeral Home, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello. By visiting goettschonline.com, you may share your thoughts, memories and condolences with Janice’s family and sign the online guest book.