Janice Kay (McGinnis) Maerker

Jan was a gracious, caring and thoughtful person who dearly loved and was loved by her spouse of 64 years, Rod Maerker, her children, Melinda Maerker and Michael Maerker and their respective partners, Audra Weaser and Barbara Niles, and a wide community of devoted friends.

Jan grew up in Jackson, Ohio, a small town where she relished all the popular activities of the 1950s: roller skating, cheerleading, dancing and singing (she had a wonderful voice and could harmonize with anything). She was a perfect student with a quick mind and a particular love for language—as everyone knew who was fortunate enough to be on her card and letter list.

With the encouragement of mutual friends, Jan met Rod on a blind double date to a drive-in movie theatre. There was an instant connection and they soon married on Valentine’s Day, 1959. Theirs was a true romance and partnership and they enjoyed so many of the same activities—from travel to basketball. (Jan was a fervent fan of the University of Arizona Wildcats and the Golden State Warriors.)

In her twenties, Jan worked at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Columbus, Ohio. And while her job was primarily administrative, she was officially designated a Deputy Sheriff and had the badge to prove it.

Despite her Midwestern roots Jan was at heart a desert dweller. She and Rod and baby Melinda moved to Tucson in 1967 and did not look back. It was never too hot for Jan; she welcomed the summers and 110-degree weather. She was also an avid walker. Regardless of heat or monsoon rains, she and Rod averaged three to four miles a day and, after thirty-some years, realized they had actually gone around the world in total distance. One of their favorite spots to walk was Sabino Canyon with its stunning mountain views and stately saguaro forest.

When Jan did leave the desert, it was to visit favorite places like Kauai, which she and Rod often enjoyed with their dear friends, Bob and Betty Thompson and Jo-Ann and Frank Kipple. They also ventured to Europe many times, which included several visits with Rod’s cousins, Hartmut and Elfi Schimpf, in Germany. And they took cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama.

Back at home in Tucson, Jan was an active member of Saguaro Christian Church, where she sang in the choir, mentored young adults and served on many committees. She volunteered extensively, especially at her children’s school library and with Michael’s gymnastic center. Most notably, she and Rod delivered Mobile Meals for almost 40 years. But it was never just about bringing food to someone in need. Jan always got to know her clients on a more personal level.

Jan had a wonderful sense of irony and could find humor in the more absurd moments of life. And as much as she cherished her friends and family (and animals; she was a doting pet grandma), she also relished meeting people in all sorts of circumstances.

Jan will be very missed by all who knew her.

A celebratory service and light lunch will be held in her honor at Saguaro Christian Church in Tucson on Saturday, July 15th. Specific details to follow soon.

Kindly feel free to contact Melinda Maerker with any questions at mmaerker@me.com.