Janet Anderson, age 72, of Laurens, Iowa formerly of Marathon, Iowa died Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Marathon Community Center in Marathon. A private family burial will be held at the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon. Visitation will take place Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Pocahontas Community Hospice, Hope Lodge in Rochester, Minnesota, or Gift of Life in Rochester, Minnesota. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Janet Marie Nation was born May 7, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond and Clarice (Johnson) Nation.

Janet grew up in the Thor, Goldfield, and Corning, Iowa areas until her family relocated to Marathon, where she completed her education at Marathon High School, graduating in 1960.

Janet was raised in the Lutheran Faith and was baptized in the Lutheran church in Thor. She received her confirmation at the Presbyterian church in Corning.

Shortly after high school, Janet married Gaylon Anderson on June 26, 1960 at Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon. Together they were blessed with two children: Kelly Gene and Kurtis Ray.

Janet was very active in her community. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Marathon, participated in numerous Bible study groups, and was an active member of the Tuesday Study Club. She also was a member of the Kraft Club serving as the vice-president, secretary, and treasurer over the years.

Janet shared her musical talents by singing in the Marathon Trio for thirty years with Sheryl Anderson and Caryl Dukes. Janet enjoyed bicycling, including two years of RAGRRAI.

Janet enjoyed being a part of a square dancing club, the In-B-Tweeners, and was a leader of the Youth in Christ. She also participated for over 27 years in many research projects focused on diabetes and Huntington’s disease at Mayo Clinic.

Even in her final hours, Janet encouraged, prayed with, and loved others. As the Holy Spirit lived in her, she served like her Savior.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Gaylon Anderson of Laurens, Iowa; children: Kelly (Sally) Anderson of Estherville, Iowa; Kurt (Cindy) Anderson of Mixbury, United Kingdom; grandchildren: Nathen (Kim) Anderson of Tipton, Iowa; Derek Anderson of Estherville, Iowa; Nick (Anabel) Anderson of Urbandale, Iowa; John (Rachel) Anderson of Ankeny, Iowa; Jessica (Jarred) Pohlman of Estherville, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Deakon Anderson, Ayrwen Anderson, Liana Anderson, Ava Pohlman, Jorden Anderson; brother, Lee (Eileen) Nation of Spirit Lake, Iowa; three sisters: Sheryl (Larry) Anderson of Spencer, Iowa; Mary (Roger) Bender of Wilton, Iowa; and Candice (Gary) Moore of Mason City, Iowa; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family and many friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law: Nick (Jeanette) Anderson; brother, Jeff Nation; brother-in-law, Myron Anderson; great-granddaughter, Gracie Elizabeth Hansen.