Janet Tinker, age 73, of Audubon, Iowa, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the Friendship Home in Audubon.
Janet Lynn Tinker was born on March 1, 1952, to Bert and Joyce (Miller) Gustafson. From her earliest days, faith was woven into her life. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa, beginning a lifelong relationship with Christ that would guide, comfort, and sustain her.
After graduating from Aurelia High School in 1970, Janet earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota.
On November 2, 1974, Janet married Jim Tinker at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa. Together they established a lifelong commitment to each other for over 51 years, and raised two sons, William Richard and Matthew Michael. Janet’s love for her family only grew as she welcomed daughters in law, Caroline and Emily, and cherished her grandchildren, Alida, Kerstin, and Charlotte, who brought her endless joy.
Since moving to Audubon in 1977, when Jim started his law practice, Janet was a devoted mother and member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Her faith shaped her daily life, and she found deep meaning in the friendships, worship, and service she shared with her church family.
Janet’s nursing career began in 1973, and her commitment to caring for others led her to further specialize through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Education Program, earning her CWOCN certification. Over her career, she served in many hospitals and clinics, including Nebraska Methodist Hospital, University of Nebraska Hospital, University of Iowa Hospital, Audubon County Memorial Hospital, Kidney Care of Des Moines, and Cass County Memorial Hospital. She also served twice as Director of Nursing at the Friendship Home in Audubon.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Joyce Gustafson; her brother, Mark Gustafson; her parents in law, Richard and Madonna Tinker; and her sister in law, Cindy Tinker. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim; her son Will (Caroline) and their daughters Alida and Kerstin; her son Matt (Emily) and granddaughter Charlotte; her brother Grant Gustafson (Joan); her sister Ann Stubbendeck (Dave); her sister in law Renee Larson and brother in law Joe Tinker; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Janet’s family is deeply grateful for the friendships, support, and community that surrounded her throughout her 48 years in Audubon. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and love will continue to shine in all who knew her.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 04, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 05, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, with Rev. Sean Dougherty officiating. A luncheon will be held following the service. Interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:
• The Friendship Home, 714 N. Division, Audubon, IA 50025
• Hospice of the Midwest, 103 N. 4th Street, Guthrie Center, IA 50112
• Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 326 Leroy Street, Audubon, IA
• Audubon County Memorial Hospital, 515 Pacific Ave, Audubon, IA 50025
Janet’s family is deeply grateful for the friendships, support, and community that surrounded her throughout her 48 years in Audubon. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and love will continue to shine in all who knew her.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon.
