Beloved Fort Dodge Seamstress Janice Johnson Passes Away at 86

Fort Dodge, Iowa, USA - Janice Fay Johnson, a cherished figure in Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on May 31, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Ottawa, Illinois, on April 1, 1939, to Floyd and Elva (Huckins) Johnson, she was raised on a family farm in Marseilles, Illinois. Janice graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1957, marking the beginning of a life filled with dedication and warmth.

Janice’s career spanned several decades, primarily in retail, where she held managerial positions at Casey’s General Store and True Value in Eldridge, Iowa. After retiring from True Value, she took her talents to Hobby Lobby, working in the fabric department. It was here that she became a well-known seamstress in the Fort Dodge area, crafting unique holiday gifts and even creating a wedding dress for her daughter, Tina.

A Life Full of Love and Humor

Involved in her community, Janice contributed significantly to church activities at Grace Lutheran, particularly with the Lutheran World Relief Project. Her welcoming nature and sense of humor were traits that endeared her to many. She loved spending time with her family, sharing laughter, and creating lasting memories.

Janice is survived by her children: Tina Riesselman from Citrus Springs, Florida, Kimberly Carroll and her spouse Chris from Inverness, Florida, Timothy Read and his spouse Barb from Ames, and Stacey Bochart from Fort Dodge. Additionally, her legacy includes nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Donna Mullin of LaBelle, Florida, and Dorothy Peek of Kokomo, Indiana, also mourn her loss.

Final Farewells

As the family prepares to say their goodbyes, visitation will take place on June 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, as detailed by Messenger News. The Laufersweiler Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, ensuring that Janice’s final chapter is honored with the dignity she deserves. Memorials may be left to the family’s discretion, allowing loved ones to express their condolences in a meaningful way.

Janice’s passing is not just the end of a life but the closing of a chapter filled with love, laughter, and community spirit. In times when grief can feel overwhelming, as noted by Meadow Memorials, writing an obituary can seem like a daunting task. However, Janice’s story encapsulates the essence of a life well-lived—full of family, passion, and contributions to her community.

In remembering Janice and her remarkable journey, we find comfort in her legacy, a true testament to the power of a nurturing spirit. As we gather to pay our respects, let’s carry forward her kindness and humor, celebrating a life that touched so many.