Janis A. Nimtz

Janis A. Nimtz passed away peacefully at the age of 74 surrounded by her loving family on August 17th. She was born on January 23, 1949, in Belvidere, IL to Raymond and Alma (Polnow) Nimtz. She was proud of being raised as a dairy farmer's daughter.

She married John Gahlbeck on May 29, 1971, and later divorced on May 28, 1998. She graduated from University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree and certificate of Dental Hygiene. Janis worked as a dental hygienist for 46 years in Belvidere, Rockford and Bloomington, IL.

She is survived by 1 daughter, Amy (Gahlbeck) and Doug Raber, and 2 grandchildren Addison Raber and Jacob Raber, Gridley, IL. 2 brothers, Jeffrey (Julie M.) Nimtz, Monticello, WI and James (Sherri) Nimtz, Winslow, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond & Alma (Polnow) Nimtz and 1 brother, Jack Nimtz.

She was very proud of her 2 grandchildren and all their accomplishments. They were very involved in both Livingston County 4-H and Prairie Central FFA programs. As a grandma, she spent countless hours working with their dairy show cattle at home, collecting leaves and insects for 4-H, and attending all their cattle shows. She also enjoyed riding with Jacob in the helicopter upon him receiving his private license. As a grandma, she enjoyed hearing about Addie’s passion for photography along with her experiences within the livestock industry.

Jan was a 4-H leader for 10 years for the Flora Producers in Boone County alongside her dad for many of those years. She thoroughly enjoyed working with the members and their families to help them succeed. This was also the same club that she and her brothers along with her daughter were all members of as well. 4-H was a big part of her life.

She was the co-superintendent of Boone County Dairy Show alongside her dad. This was a true joy working side by side with her dad and the exhibitors. She was very passionate about raising and showing dairy cattle, flower gardening at home and house plants. Especially the Hollyhocks grown along the front of the barn and cow yard.

She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere, IL. Upon moving, she had been a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chenoa, IL.

Family and friends are invited to attend Janis' Visitation Tuesday, August 22 from 4pm to 8pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1045 Belvidere Road, Belvidere, IL 61008). Additional Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 23 from 11:45am until the time of Funeral Service at 12:30pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Luncheon will follow the service at church. Interment to follow lunch at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Janis' family, who will later designate a donation location.