Janice Halverson

Janice Mae Halverson, 93, of Cedar Falls, formerly of rural Toledo, Iowa, left this life unexpectedly on Thursday, June 13, at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital of natural causes.

Janice was born on May 9, 1931, in Marshalltown, daughter of John W. and Amy F. Gilson Haefner. She was active in band (clarinet), glee club, Girl Scouts and basketball and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1949. She attended Marshalltown Community College and Simpson College, receiving an Associate of Arts degree from MCC.

Janice married John D. Halverson on October 18, 1952, in the First Methodist Church, Marshalltown. After marriage they spent several years in Dallas, Texas, where she worked in an oilfield equipment company office. She and her husband returned to Iowa in 1955, farmed northwest of Toledo and reared four children. In addition to tending to her family, farm and home, Janice worked as a secretary, medical secretary and salesperson. After 44 years of marriage, John preceded her in death on January 12, 1997.

Janice was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She was a long-time faithful member and participant in the First Presbyterian Church of Toledo. She was deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and love from her church community. As a testament to her Christ-centered life, she shared her faith and gift of music by writing lyrics and music for several original Christian songs and playing piano at church. She enjoyed attending services, Bible study groups and encouraging others in their faith.

Janice is survived by her three children: Mark B. Halverson, of Waterloo and Toledo, Teri L. (Ken Zimmerman) Strong, of Eugene, Ore. and Lori J. (John) DeVries, of Waterloo. Her grandchildren are Melissa (Perry) Pingatore, Matthew (Emily) Halverson, Mickey (Kori) Halverson and Amy (Mark) Rogers and her great grandchildren are Rory, Michael, Rayla, Lee and Mia.

Preceding Janice in death are her husband, her son, Scot M. Halverson, and her brothers John E. Haefner (died at birth) and Philip J. Haefner.

Friends are invited to pay their respects during the public visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service, 300 West Ridgeway Ave. in Waterloo. Visitation will also be held Thursday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service in the First Presbyterian Church at 100 West State St., Toledo, Iowa, followed by interment in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens, Marshalltown.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Toledo.

Online condolences may be left at www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com.