Janice Ann Lauritsen

Janice “Jan” Ann Lauritsen, the daughter of Bernard “Brownie” and Velma (Kuhl) Sleister, was born January 21, 1942, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and died at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa, on September 5, 2020, at the age of 78 years, 7 months, and 15 days.

Jan was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Manilla, Iowa where she was a member until she was married. She attended the Manilla Community Schools, graduating with the High School Class of 1960. Right after graduating, Jan and a few girlfriends, including her future sister-in-law, moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked at Boys’ Town for some time.

On September 9, 1962, she married Richard “Rich” Lauritsen at the United Methodist Church in Manilla, and they then made their home in Audubon, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Lori and twins Paul and Patrick. During the first few years in Audubon, Jan was a homemaker, raising their children while also babysitting for other area children.

Once her children were a few years old, Jan went to work at the Friendship Home in Audubon as the activities assistant – a job she loved and dedicated herself to for more than 30 years. She gave her whole heart to every resident to help fulfill and enrich their lives. Following her retirement, she even continued volunteering there for a time.

Rich and Jan cleaned the Iowa State Extension Office for years together, and she continued for short while on her own even after Rich passed away in March of 2015.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Audubon, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was also a Blue Bird Troop Leader when her children were younger. She loved having coffee with the girls, socializing and reminiscing about simpler times. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and playing Skip-Bo with friends and family. Jan loved to bake, especially cookies for Paul and her grandkids. She also spent time sewing and crocheting afghans for each member of the family. Jan loved her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids and was so proud of each one of them. When she started to slow down a little, she enjoyed reading devotional books with heart-warming stories.

Jan enjoyed living in her home until August of 2019 when she moved to the Exira Care Center, where even then, she was still caring for others, making sure they had what they needed instead of focusing on herself.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Rich Lauritsen; her infant son, Patrick Lauritsen; her parents; her son-in-law, Jeff Nelson; her brother, Eldon “Butch” Sleister; her father- and mother-in-law, Bruno and Rozelle Lauritsen; her brothers-in-law: Jerry Lauritsen, Paul Lauritsen, Jerry Wahlert, and Larry Hill; her niece, Elizabeth Hill, and nephew, Todd Nielsen.

Survivors include her children: Lori and husband Tony Hilsabeck of Slater, Iowa, and Paul and wife Donna Lauritsen of Waukee, Iowa; her grandchildren: Sarah Petersen of Kelley, Iowa; Estee Hilsabeck and significant other Luke Mortensen of Kimballton, Iowa; Bailey Lauritsen of Indianola, Iowa; Morgan Lauritsen and Emma Lauritsen, both of Waukee; her great-grandson, Brooks Petersen and her great-granddaughter, Baylor Petersen, both of Kelley; her sister, Belva Crooks of Winter Park, Florida; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Judy Hill of Exira, Iowa; Patty Lauritsen of Kimballton, Iowa; Cheryl Wahlert of Exira; Sally and husband Roger Williams of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Mary and husband Delbert Christensen of Audubon; Kent “Butch” and wife Teresa Lauritsen of Lockbourne, Ohio; and Sandi Lauritsen of Audubon; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center in Audubon, Iowa, with Pastor Steven Frock officiating. The family will greet friends Saturday morning from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center. A private family inurnment will be in the Arlington Heights Cemetery in Audubon. The Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon is in charge of her arrangements.