Janice Wilson

JANICE WILSON

Hopkinton

Janice Marlene Wilson, 77, of Slater, left this earthly life on Aug. 24, 2016, at Story County Medical Center in Nevada, Iowa. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Slater United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the church. Burial will be in Slater Municipal Cemetery.

Janice was born Sept. 15, 1938, to Lewis Harold and Fannie Lucille (Bowers) Willard in Iowa City, Iowa. She grew up in Hopkinton and was involved with the high school chorus and a quartet of other girls who sang for town and school events. After graduating from Hopkinton High School in 1957, she continued her education at the Paris Academy in Cedar Rapids, where she received her degree in cosmetology.

Janice met her beloved husband of 58 years, Roger Wilson, from Buck Creek, Iowa, and married him on Jan. 26, 1958. Janice and Roger and their children moved to Slater in 1961. Janice was an active member of Slater United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and serving as secretary of the United Methodist Women's Group.

Janice and Roger owned and operated the Dairy Queen in Polk City from 1972 until 1987. She then continued working at the Iowa Department of Transportation for 15 years, retiring in 2002 to spend time with her husband.

Janice is survived by her children, Diann (Gary) McMillen of Granger, Stuart Wilson of Boone and Steven (Laura) Wilson of North Mankato, Minn.; her grandchildren, Jordyn Berry of Cedar Rapids and Jeramy McMillen of Des Moines; her sisters, LaVonne Sass of Shellsburg and Marjorie (Bob) Nelson of Manchester; her brother, Richard (Betty) Willard of Spring, Texas; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; and many close friends.

Soderstrum Funeral Home in Slater is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences and photos may be shared at www.soderstrumadams.com.