Janice J. Heinz, 86, of Burlington, died Thursday, June 12, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 29, 1939, in Wayland, Iowa, she was the daughter of Rex Bain and Minnie (Rich) Peterson. On August 4, 1980, in Burlington, she married Russell E. Heinz. He survives.
Jan graduated in 1957 from Waco High School. She worked for Champion Spark Plug for 31 years where she retired from in 1991. Jan was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Burlington for 29 years where she served as a greeter for many years. She and Russ loved taking trips across the country, especially to Lake of the Ozarks and Branson, Missouri. In her free time, she enjoyed being outdoors, decorating and cooking large family meals and sitting down together at the table. Every year she planned a new theme for Christmas and would decorate her tree, table setting and the lady’s event at her church for their Christmas celebration. Jan had a heart to serve and she never turned away from the opportunity to help where needed and would never ever turn down a cup of vanilla ice cream from Dairy Queen. Her family was of high importance to her as was her relationship with the Lord. She lived her life to serve God and that’s what made her the amazing wife, mother and friend that she was.
She is survived by her husband Russ; four children: Mathieu (Linda) Hobbs, Christine (Mark) Dye, Brent (Jill) Heinz all of Burlington, and Amy Heinz of Des Moines; three grandchildren: Ben, Alex and Nick; brother Ricky Peterson of Wisconsin and two sisters: Linda (Steve) Metcalf of Oakville, Iowa and Cheryl Hembry of Emerson, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father Loren Peterson and grandson Patrick.
The funeral service for Jan will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday June 18, 2025, at Lunning Chapel, with Loren Whitlatch officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service at 10 a.m. at Lunning Chapel where the family will meet with friends. Interment will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in her memory for the Iowa Special Needs Foundation.