Jannis Faye Liekweg

Jannis Faye (Fekkers) Liekweg was born on the farm near Alexander, Iowa on January 6, 1940. She was born to Henry and Esther (Suntken) Fekkers and was the first area baby born in 1940. Her parents received gifts from the local businesses, including a day crib that was used by 4 generations of babies and sported nearly ¼” of white paint (each mother had to spruce it up) when it was finally retired. 

 Jannis attended and graduated from High School in Alexander, IA. She worked at Aldinger’s General Store (an Alexander landmark) performing the fine art of candling eggs. She met William “Bill” Liekweg and was married on June 14, 1959, at the Lutheran Church in Sheffield, IA… as the Reformed Church in Alexander was undergoing a building project.

 Bill and Jannis began married life in Sheffield, IA and later moved to Hampton, IA where they raised two children: Christine “Chris” and Paul. In 2016 Bill and Jannis moved to Spencer, IA to be closer to family.

 Jannis was a passionate seamstress and helped to organize a sewing group at Zion Reformed Church that created and donated items for preemie babies, cancer patients and various personnel comfort items for those in medical need. Jannis continued this mission in Spencer through involvement in the Grace Methodist Church. Jannis made many dear friends in both Hampton and Spencer, she will be missed by friends, family and all who enjoyed her muffin baking skills.

 Jannis was called by Our Lord and Savior on August 14, 2024, at St. Luke Lutheran Home. Jannis was 84 years young. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Iola and brother-in-law Leo Hilton of Altoona, her son Paul Liekweg of Hampton and son-in-law Jim Tostenrud of Everly.

 Jannis is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Christine “Chris” Tostenrud and son-in-law Gene Montgomery, Everly, IA. Granddaughter Hannah (Tostenrud) Lawson and husband Chris Lawson, two great grandsons Colt and Henry Lawson, all of Algona, IA. Grandson Carter Tostenrud and wife Chelsey (Roth) Tostenrud, two great grandchildren Grayson and Everly Tostenrud, all of Dickinson, ND.