Janice H. Roemer

Janice was born December 2, 1938 in Davenport, Iowa, daughter of Cyrilla (Bathalter) and Lloyd Hanrahan. She married Pete Roemer on November 29, 1958. They were married until the time of Pete’s death in 2012.

Janice graduated from St. Ambrose College, summa cum laude, in 1981. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1984.

Janice practiced law in Davenport, Iowa and had previously been an adjunct instructor at St. Ambrose. In 1988, Janice was elected by her colleagues as the third female bar president in the history of the Scott County Bar Association. She was a former member of the Executive Council of the Scott County Bar Association and past Chair of the Grievance Committee of the Scott County Bar. She was an original member of the Scott County Dillion Inn of Court, formed in 1992. Janice was elected by her colleagues to serve on Iowa State Judicial Nominating Commission from 1993 through 1999. In addition to her membership in the United States Supreme Court Bar she was also a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and Scott County Bar Association.

At a young age, Janice developed a love for books. So much so, that Janice often retold the story of her dad insisting that she take her nose out of her book. Reading, needlepoint and gardening would become lifelong hobbies. Janice’s flower filled deck was certainly one of the loveliest in town.

Janice loved the Arts, specifically the Theater. For nearly two decades Janice and Pete would spend the Thanksgiving holiday week in New York City- a city Janice adored. They would spend their time seeing as many Broadway and off Broadway plays as possible: usually squeezing in 8 plays in the week!

Janice was a strong and independent woman. She thoroughly loved being a lawyer. Janice was a staunch supporter of women’s rights and was known to enjoy a good debate on the subject.

Janice’s strength saw her through a difficult battle with cancer a dozen years ago, thus defying the odds. Sadly, cancer returned.

While Janice prided herself on her indelible strength - those of us fortunate to know her - loved her for her thoughtful, quiet, loyal heart.

Janice was a dear nana to her 3 grandchildren and found that being their grandmother was a particularly sweet part of her life; so much so that she would refer to them as, “Sugar.” Janice was a trusted, kind and considerate mother-in law. (I admired her greatly and will miss her deeply). She was a devoted mother to Mark and in their adult years they shared a tender trusted friendship. (He will miss her more than I can say).

Janice was a unique and remarkable woman. She will be dearly missed.

It is without question, she will live on through us who loved her.

Janice is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kelly (Dwyer) Roemer; grandsons, Jack and Spencer Roemer and granddaughter, Stella Roemer of Bettendorf, Iowa.; and son, Tom Roemer of Bettendorf, Iowa.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Dr. Peter Roemer; son, Peter John Roemer; grandson, Henri Dwyer Roemer; daughter, Debbie Woodward; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo and Richard Hassenmiller.

We would like to thank the staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House for their compassionate care and Maria Waterman for her steadfast friendship.

Per Janice’s wishes, there will be a private service. The Runge Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janice’s name to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.