Janice Elaine (Peterson) Christensen, age 83, of Anita, IA, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa.
Janice was born August 13, 1942 at home in Medora, IA to Alvin and Velma (Calaway) Peterson. She was the first of four daughters. Growing up on the family farm in New Virginia, IA, she was an active member in 4-H. She graduated as valedictorian from New Virginia High School in 1960. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1964.
Janice was united in marriage to Gary C. Christensen on June 4, 1965 at the Anita United Methodist Church in Anita, IA. They had two children, son Michael Sean and daughter Deidra Michelle.
In 1964, Janice began teaching at the Anita Elementary School, where she enjoyed teaching children for 38 years. She taught the 4th grade for many years, and then Title I and TAG (talented and gifted). Over the years, she was school sponsor for the elementary student council, various contests including science fairs, photography, writing, fundraisers and stamp club. She retired in 2002.
Janice was a member of the Anita United Methodist Church. She was also a member and officer of local organizations, including the Anita Home & Garden Club, Anita United Methodist Women’s group, Anita Women’s Federated Club, and Anita Women’s Literary Club. She participated in the women’s golf league with her mother, Velma, as her partner.
Janice enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for graduations and birthdays, and also cookies and candies at Christmas time. She enjoyed seeing Broadway musicals at the Civic Center in Des Moines, IA, going to Iowa Cubs games and concerts with her family and golfing. She was an avid reader and loved family gatherings. Her biggest love was working in her many flower gardens. Shopping for flowers in the spring was one of her favorite things to do. Most of all she was a loving wife, mother and friend who will be greatly missed.
Janice will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Gary Christensen of Anita, IA; daughter Deidra Christensen of Anita, IA; sisters Marilyn Basquin of Independence, IA, Joyce (Russel) Strawn of The Villages, FL, Evelyn (Martin) Jacobs of Elton, FL; sisters-in-law Bonnie Littleton of Atlantic, IA, LaDonna Andrews of Anita, IA; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Michael; parents Alvin and Velma Peterson; parents-in-law Hans and Amanda Christensen; brothers-in-law Jack Basquin, Delbert Christensen and his wife Edna, Merlyn Christensen and his wife Marcella, Gene Andrews, Duane Littleton; sisters-in-law LaVeda Pine and her husband Harold, Judith Smith and her husband Guy.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Anita.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 08, 2025, at the Anita United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jessica Wietzke officiating the service. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita. Following the committal, a luncheon will be held at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Anita.
Memorials may be directed to the Anita United Methodist Church or to the Christensen Family. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita is entrusted with the arrangements for the Christensen Family.
