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Janet “Jan” Pedersen, 85, of Anthem, Ariz., and formerly of Newell, passed away peacefully at her home on Aug. 29, 2026.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will be in Newell Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. prior to the service at Nain Lutheran Church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.
Janet was born March 31, 1941, in Storm Lake the daughter of Donald J. and Evelyn (Sorenson) Wise. Raised in Newell, she grew up active in the First Baptist Church and graduated from Newell High School in 1959 before attending Iowa State Teachers College.
On June 24, 1961, Janet was united in marriage to the love of her life, Glen “Skip” Pedersen at First Baptist Church in Newell. This union was blessed with four children: Randal, Wendy, Terry and Karla.
Jan dedicated many years of service to her communities as a postal clerk, officer in charge, and Postmaster across Northwest Iowa, serving in Storm Lake, Newell, Schaller, Varina, Rembrandt and Fonda. She was a longtime member of the Newell Junior Federated Club and Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, and most recently belonged to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marion.
Beyond her career, Jan’s heart was always with her family and friends. She and Skip spent decades creating memories — traveling, wintering in the warmth of Arizona, taking trips to Branson, and cheering at sporting events. Above all, Jan’s greatest joy was being present for her grandchildren’s lives.
A talented creator and hostess, Jan was an accomplished quilter and crocheter — the gentle hum of her sewing machine a familiar, comforting sound in their home. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, famous for her legendary chocolate chip cookies, where she also baked and decorated special cakes for others and made some of the best Danish yardsticks around. Whether gathering around the table for a competitive game of cards or marbles, Jan brought laughter, warmth and a welcoming spirit to every room.
Those left to cherish Jan’s memory include her children: Randy (Merri) Pedersen of Anthem, Ariz.; Terry (Trudy) Pedersen of Newell; and Karla (Dennis) Koenen of Marion; her beloved grandchildren: Wendy (Jesse) Haverkamp (and great-granddaughter Ashlyn) of Eaton, Colo.; Erik (Kristina) Pedersen (and great-grandsons Weston and Jace) of San Diego, Calif.; Morgan Koenen (fiancé Carter Krall) of North Liberty; Keegan Koenen of Madison, Ala.; and Meredith Koenen of Marion. She is also survived by her sister Karen Druivenga of New Market; brother-in-law Russell Eddie of Storm Lake; along with many loved nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Jan was reunited in rest with her beloved husband of 60 years, Glen; her infant daughter Wendy Sue Pedersen; her parents, Donald and Evelyn Wise; brothers, Keith and John Wise; brother-in-law Luke Druivenga; parents-in-law, Jens and Lillie Pedersen; brother-in-law Gunnar (Joanne) Pedersen; and sister-in-law Gladys Eddie.
