Janet “Jan” Isabel (Conrad) Dumdei was born April 25, 1933, daughter of Claude R. and Renelda (Lahr) Conrad in Manilla, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the First United Methodist Church at Manilla. She attended school in Manilla and graduated with the Class of 1951. In her early years, Jan worked summers babysitting and detasseling, showing her nurturing and hardworking nature from a young age. After graduating, she worked for Louis Gnam at an insurance company in Carroll.
On June 29, 1952, she married Wesley F. Dumdei at the Methodist Church in Carroll. Their early years together were marked by adventures as they navigated living in Washington State due to Wesley’s service in the United States Army. When he was sent to Japan, Jan returned to Manilla until his honorable discharge. At that time, they relocated to Des Moines and Jan worked at Alsco of Iowa. They moved to the Adams Ranch in Odebolt where they were blessed with two children, Kimberli and Scott. Jan became a fulltime wife and mother, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her home as she actively participated in church and school activities. From being a Sunday School Teacher to taking on roles in Brownies, Cub Scouts, and school events as a room mother, Janet’s influence was felt far and wide. The couple moved to Manilla in 1966. Jan continued to be active in the children’s activities and her church, where she held many offices on the board. She also enjoyed singing with the choir. Many appreciated the time she took to share church recordings to shut-ins and the Manilla Manor. Her church family was always very important to her.
Throughout her life, Jan had a deep passion for literature and poetry. She was a member of the Tourist Club and took great pride in her writing, some of which was even published. Her poetic talent shone bright in the verses she dedicated to her family and friends. Jan’s involvement in various community groups reflected her caring and compassionate nature. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, the American Legion Auxiliary, and even enjoyed the camaraderie of a local bowling team. She also found joy in a ceramic class that she shared with her best friend forever, Judy Olson.
Janet’s life was rich with a variety of interests and hobbies. Alongside her husband Wesley, she found joy in spending summers at Spirit Lake, forging friendships with fellow lake enthusiasts and antique aficionados. Wesley would showcase his antique collection while Jan assisted in the store when needed. Her green thumb shone through in her passion for gardening, preserving bountiful harvests through canning, and demonstrating her talent in sewing. She and Wesley embarked on numerous adventures together. From winter retreats in Texas and Arizona to summer escapades in Colorado and South Dakota, their shared love for exploration enriched their lives. Known for her unwavering support for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes, Janet’s sportsmanship extended beyond mere victories or losses – she found joy simply in cheering on her favorite teams. Jan’s greatest joys were Wesley and the family get togethers with the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson, Russell Wesley. They loved attending sports, music and dancing events. All of those times were treasured by her.
Jan passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa at the age of 91 years, two months and seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wesley Dumdei; and siblings-in-law: Mervin (Jane) Dumdei, Merle (Beverly) Dumdei, and Arvis Taylor.
She is survived by her children: Kimberli (Don) Jensen of Galva and Scott Dumdei of Manilla; grandchildren: Josh (Jess) Jensen of Galva, Kourtnee (Richy) Swanger of Battle Creek, and Natasha (Nicholas) Schultes of Mesa, Arizona; great-grandchildren: Wesley (Claudia) Swanger, Daltyn, Luke, Levi and Alayna Swanger, Kellen and Karsen Jensen and Chloe and Phoebe Schultes; great-great-grandson, Russell Wesley Swanger; brother, Roger (Joleen) Conrad of Manilla; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Jan’s funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the United Church of Manilla in Manilla, Iowa with visitation prior to the service from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Interment will follow in the Nishnabotna Cemetery near Manilla. Memorials may be directed to the family.
