Janice Kay Stueckrath, 85, died peacefully at EveryStep Kavanagh Hospice on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Born in 1937 in Odebolt, Iowa, Janice was the oldest of three daughters of Virgil and Jeanette (Olson) Crain. The family moved to Des Moines where Janice lived most of her life. She was a graduate of East High School class of 1956. Janice attended Drake University where she was a proud member of Alpha Phi Sorority. She married Westley Stueckrath in 1960 and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Janice and Wes were blessed with the birth of their only child, Michael.
In her younger years, Janice was active in the Republican Party of Iowa. She was an antique connoisseur and expert (self-taught) interior decorator. Janice had an eye for color and texture and had impeccable taste. She loved to travel, with Florida being her favorite state to visit. Janice had a zest for life. She was a wonderful conversationalist with a funny, ornery sense of humor.
Janice was blessed with a loving family. She is survived by her son, Michael (Janice); grandchildren, Emily (Zach) Marks, Joseph Stueckrath, and Adam Stueckrath (Bridget Haley); great grandchildren, Addison and Callan Marks; sisters, Ann Sweesy and Mary Dopf; lifelong friend Sally Goeser; special cousin, Julie Davis; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Westley; parents; brothers-in-law, Michael Sweesy and Robert Dopf; and nephew Aaron Dopf.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA followed by a light luncheon. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery after the luncheon.
Special thanks to the staff at EveryStep Kavanagh House Hospice for their care and support of Janice. Charitable donations may be made in memory of Janice to EveryStep Kavanagh House Hospice or Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, IA.
