Janis Vittetoe, age 60, of Washington, passed away on February 6, 2024 at home surrounded by family, after a long journey with ovarian cancer.
A dear friend to many, Janis showed us what it means to live life with purpose, strength, grace, and, most of all, faith.
Janis was born July 3, 1963 in West Point, Iowa to parents Dorothy and Joe Millmeyer. There she spent her younger years running around outside with her siblings and friends, coming in for lunch with the noon whistle, and playing endless games until the streetlights came on. Janis graduated from Marquette High School and attended the University of Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Denny Vittetoe. They were married in 1984 and later blessed with three children. Her four grandchildren were all bright shining stars in her life, and she loved each of them fiercely.
Janis lived life to the fullest, spending many weekends at motocross races, camping in her RV with her grandkids, family, pets, and friends, tending to her many garden beds, enjoying long lunches with her girlfriends, baking the best apple pies, exploring the Smoky Mountains by hiking to waterfalls and cruising the winding roads on the back of their Goldwing motorcycle, traveling to foreign countries, snuggling with her dog River, kayaking with manatees, and exploring Florida's nature coast-- her home away from Iowa. With every adventure, she made lasting friendships. Janis was a lifelong learner. Throughout her adult years, she was active in their hog operation and the Washington County Pork Producers. Additionally, she was a talented crafter, EMT, director of faith formation at St. James Catholic Church, Master Gardener, and spiritual director. These last two roles especially brought her joy, as she was able to nurture and care for others. She had a green thumb, tending to her beautiful garden beds, and a big heart, tending to many souls, offering them love and support. Janis' deep faith carried her through her final days.
Janis was preceded in death by her parents, brother Michael, numerous aunts and uncles, and cousin John Bush. Janis is survived by her husband Denny; children Bethany (Ike) Glinsmann, Michael (Kelsey) Vittetoe, and Anne Vittetoe (fiance Austin Foster), all of Washington, Iowa; grandchildren Abigail (15), Wyatt (9), Emmalyn (6), and Hadley (5); siblings Debbie Millmeyer, Linda (Dusty) Cole, Marcia (John) McKinley, and Dan (Becky) Millmeyer; loving parents-in-law Leo and Rosemary Vittetoe; sisters-in-law Carol (Jeff) Hibler, Leann (Jerry) Rediger, and Linda (Greg) Eisenbarth; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will remain an inspiration to the countless friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, IA with Fr. Bill Roush officiating. Calling hours will begin 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church where the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Prayer services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for St. James Catholic School or Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for Janis’s family at www.jonesfh.com.
