Janice Lea Lehmann

Completing a full and well-lived life, Jan passed away in her apartment at Dawn & Gary’s house in Ames.  Under the watchful eye of a crack team of amateur family helpers, led by Moriah Harris, Jan received all the care anyone could hope for in this situation.  Jan was able to say many goodbyes and pray blessings over her grandkids. The family is having visitation on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Iowa Falls Evangelical Free Church, 19939 Co Rd D20, Iowa Falls. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Iowa Falls Evangelical Free Church. With honor, Adams Celebration of Life is serving the family.  

Jan was born to James and Aletha McKenzie (Wood) of New Providence, IA.  She grew up with her siblings Robert and Bonnie Azeltine as well as her brothers, Malcom and Marvin McKenzie.  Her little sister Edna Marie died as a baby.

Jan made friends in New Providence that she maintained her whole life.  After high school, Jan trained at William Penn, to become a dental hygienist.  She made a few more lifelong friends there and began cleaning teeth in Ames.  

One evening, Jan decided to return to the New Providence area and attend a church roller skating event that was only for the local church members.  Don Lehmann, who was NOT invited to attend, was undeterred by this detail and snuck into the rink.  With the slick skating and the smooth moves that all Lehmann men possess, he was able to catch Jan’s eye and start a relationship that eventually led to them being united in marriage on June 7th, 1964 and lasting 55 years.

Don & Jan moved to the farm after Don’s military hitch was up.  Jan took to farm life well.  She helped Don chop silage, walk beans, garden, butcher chickens, can sweetcorn, etc.  They were constantly entertaining people who would stop in to visit.  Neighbors would come over and play cribbage or 500.  Family would come to play volleyball or badminton over the raggedy fence that was kept up in case the cattle got out again.  Feed salesman and cattle buyers would stop in and stay for hours visiting with Don & Jan.  Each of these people that would stop in would stay because it was such a peaceful, happy place and on top of that there would magically appear Jan’s Cookie Bucket with her chocolate chip cookies and for some reason nobody’s coffee cup would ever get below a half a tank.  Jan was always serving others and making friends. Everybody: feed salesman, grandkids, stranded motorists, friends, etc. all experienced her hospitality.  You could rarely leave Jan’s presence without a full belly, a dozen eggs, a zucchini and perhaps even have a Limerick written for you.

During these farm years Don & Jan had 3 children. Dawn, Brad & Anja.  She helped them all set off on a good course by reading them Bible most every night at bedtime.  When each decided to get married, she made the wedding cakes, sewed bridesmaids dresses and cooked food.  

Dawn married Gary Harris.  Their children are Ian and Keaton, Gabe (Stephanie), Moriah, Tabitha (Logan) and Eli.  Gabe and Steph have little Arthur and Tabitha & Logan have Piper and Stella.

Brad married Lisa Thompson.  Their children are Blake (Inga), Grant (Kennedi), Max (Sophia), Lindy (Luke), Boaz and Abigail.  Blake’s family has so far contributed 4 great grandbabies to Jan’s flock; Clara, Isaiah, Anna and one on the way.  Max, 4 great grandbabies: Judah, Davey, Johnny and one on the way.  Lindy’s family has 2 children Levi and Tessa.  

Anja married Chris Whitehead.  Their children are Keelin (Josh), Liam, Murray, Finley Hamish, Rowan and Arden.

Jan loved each and every one of her family members and prayed for them often.

Jan took her faith seriously.  Her daily to do list always included a line item for Quiet Time/Bible study.  She listened to Christian radio throughout the day.  She was always looking to be a servant to others.  If you knew her you know that.

We want to thank all those who were blessed to know her and be a part of her life.  The many visits and prayers for her showed how much she was loved.  Thank You!