Janet F. “Jan” Ford, age 77, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on June 19, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Jan’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in Central City, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jan’s family.

Jan was born on May 16, 1946, in Tipton, IA, a daughter to John and Ilda (Griffith) Gerber.  She spent her formative years on the family farm where Jan had instilled within her not only a love for family, but also a strong work ethic which she would carry with pride throughout her entire life.  She eventually made her way to the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her Bachelor’s degree, and met the love of her life, Alan N. Ford, as well.  They were united in marriage in 1967 and were blessed with many wonderful years together and two children of their own to raise and nurture.  Jan spent over 25 years working side by side with her husband at Fashion Touch Dry Cleaners, and she also invested another 12 years at Finley Hospital where she worked in the purchasing department.  Thankfully, both careers allowed Jan to serve others where her intrinsic value of caring for others was fulfilled on a daily basis.  In her free-time, Jan was always quite content to take the time to create beautiful items with a needle in her hand.  Whether it was weaving, knitting, or sewing, Jan found great joy in using her time and talents to make countless items that will now be treasured even more preciously by those who knew and loved her.  Jan was also an avid reader and especially enjoyed anything with a history leaning to it, or of course her favorite option to go through from cover to cover whenever possible, Alice in Wonderland.  Jan leaves behind a legacy of love which will surely be felt within the hearts and minds of those around her for generations to come.  Her love for all that was good in this world will continually be a positive reminder that life isn’t always what happens to us, but rather, how we react to it.  Thank you, Jan, for always leading by example and for the outpouring of light you allowed your life among us to share so generously.  May the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms, and comfort our broken hearts as well, until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jan include,

her loving husband of 56 years,

Alan N. Ford, Asbury, IA,

her two adored children,

Tami (Bill) Zimmerman, Wichita, KS,

and Lyle (Diane) Ford, Eau Claire, WI;

her three grandchildren,

Talon (Alexia) Zimmerman, Molly Ford, and Sydney Ford;

her sister,

Joan Thuesen, Cedar Falls, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law, Harlan Thuesen.

Jan’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Jan and her family.  Your patience and gentle spirits have truly brought some much-needed peace and comfort into some of our most difficult days, and for that we are eternally grateful!

Online condolences may be shared with Jan’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com