"I just found out about her death. You have my love, sympathy, and prayers. I am sure that the three sisters are up there singing together again. Even though she is no longer sick, and in pain, I am sure you miss her. You have all my love ?"
In loving memory of
Janice Eileen Farnum
August 17, 1924 - November 5, 2021
Janice E. Farnum, 97, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2021, at home.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021, AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN MAQUOKETA. VISITATION WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021, FROM 5 TO 7 P.M. AT CARSON CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER IN MAQUOKETA. A private burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Janice Eileen Luse was born on August 17, 1924 in Waterloo, Iowa, to William Arthur and Alice Mattie (Leinbaugh) Luse. She grew up in Strawberry Point and was a graduate of Strawberry Point High School. She then attended Upper Iowa University where she earned a teaching degree with an emphasis in music. She married Gayl Albert Farnum on July 1, 1945 in Moville, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, Jamie and Charles.
Janice was the Director of Choral Music at Maquoketa Community High School from 1956 until retirement in 1986. In 2016, she was inducted into the Maquoketa Community High School Hall of Fame. Previously she had also worked as the Choir Director in Grundy Center, Iowa.
Janice was a member of the Maquoketa P.E.O, and a 61 year member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa where she had served as a past choir director. She had also served as the Choir Director in Grundy Center, Iowa, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, and for the Mountain View Estates Men's Choir in Mesa, Arizona. Additionally, she was an accompanist for the Velda Rose Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge.
Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jamie Farnum of Minneapolis, MN, and Charles "Chuck" Farnum of Maquoketa, IA; a grandson Lucas Farnum and his wife Heather of Waukee, IA; and a brother, Sylvan Luse of Sioux City, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gayl Albert Farnum on July 17, 1993, and siblings Darrell, Lois, Velma, Melvin, Kenneth, Audrey, Wayne and Lucille.
In lieu of ther expressions of sympathy, a Janice E. Farnum memorial fund has been established.
"The family would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to Hospice of Jackson County."
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Dear Jamie and Chuck, your mom was my most influential teacher at Maquoketa high school. She was inspirational, a Christian leader, a poised, talented, elegant person. We are so thankful to have been under her instruction and to have experienced so many positive opportunities Such as All state choir and variety shows. I have benefited from what was learned from her all the way through my years while singing in churches and remember her precise instructions often. I know I will see her again. 1Thessalonians 4:16-18. May your hearts be comforted. Emily Haas, class of ?70"
"Dear Jamie, Chuck and Family: Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your Mother. Mrs. Farnum was a blessing for years, to our community and beyond. My thoughts, Prayers and Love for you all at this difficult time."
"Mrs. F was the whole reason for my musical experience in Jr. High and High School. She is why I wanted to spend every available moment in the music room! I enjoyed every aspect of competition, but the highlight of each year was the Variety Show. Those memories will be with me forever. I was proud of the example she set for all her students, and the level of professionalism she always displayed at any performance and even practice.. I will treasure her memory as my favorite teacher---was honored to even have her sing at my wedding!"
"SHE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL MUSIC TEACHER, LOVED BY EVERYONE"
"Chuck - our condolences on the loss of your mom. Jack & Caroline"
"Dear Chuck and Jamie, Your mother, Mrs. Farnum, was an amazing teacher who taught us to sing "breathing from the diaphram," and using correct enunciation (especially of vowels), and so much more. She helped us find our voices and to refine them, and more than that, to learn to be confident in using these skills. Maquoketa got more than their share of All-State singers because of your mother. Practicing for All-State at her home was very special. The variety shows were amazing, and she made sure each person was involved. Being involved and getting on stage, we had experiences we would probably never have again. We will treasure those memories always and the special, talented teacher that Maquoketa High Schoolers were so fortunate to learn from. We are saddened to hear of her passing. She has been an important part of our lives. Your dad also played a big part in those variety shows. He was up on a scaffold in the back of the gym working with lighting and other important tasks. You have done a great job taking care of her. We send you our deepest sympathy. (Wayne, class of 1964 and Nancy, 1965)"
"So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Ron & Rue Storlie"
"Chuck and family, My condolences on the passing of Janice. I met her once, a kind and musical lady. I wish you peace and comfort, Marie Von Behren"
"Jamie ,Chuck and Luke,she was incredible and give me and my whol e family a hundreed million miracles.peace love boboby rotman-the 6th randm,as rcoker"
"Chuck and Jamie, She was a special lady, and a true inspiration to me, and many others who were touched by her love for all things musical! She helped foster my love of music that continues to this day! She will be missed, but not forgotten. Rick Hoffmann?"
"Jamie and Chuck, I often think of your mother and all that she taught me through, and about, music and just plain life! I can't help but know she left a bit of her legacy in the heart of each and every one of her students. She was a blessing to all (even when the week of variety show arrived, hahahaha--anyone who was a student knows exactly what I'm speaking of ) :) It is a true joy to have been one of her students! My heartfelt sympathy to you."
"Janice Farnum had a very positive influence on many lives, including mine. She was a great teacher and a great person. May God bless her soul. John Stein"
"Jamie and Chuck I have many fond memories of Your Mom - and Dad too. As kids we had some great fun. Janice was always there with a sandwich or cookie - or a stern look if necessary. Unfortunately, I got quite a few of those, deservedly so. Lol. Your Mom and Dad as well as you two have made a positive impact on my life. I?m forever grateful. May she Rest In Peace. God Bless. "
"Jaime and Chuck - Your mom and dad both had a big influence on my life. They were favorite teachers and also mentors at church. Janice gave me wonderful training in vocal music which I have used all my life, including still singing in church choir to this day. She was a beautiful lady and set a wonderful example for us young ladies. Thank you guys for being such good sons to her, Love and hugs to you both. We will all miss her."
"So sorry to hear of Janice's death. She was one of the first people we met when we went to the Methodist Church. She encouraged me to join the Choir, si I did! She was always a great supporter and a source of encourgement. I will miss her very much!"
"Mrs. Farnum was such a wonderful teacher to so many of us. We will never forget all the fun times getting ready for the Variety Show. She was a very special lady. "
"Jamie & Chuck, I'll be brief. I loved your mother. She understood all of us. Onward, Kurt Ullrich"
"She gave us all many great memories! Sorry for your loss."
"Mrs. Farnum was a wonderful person, teacher and friend to our family. All of us, including our parents, thought the world of her and we couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. Peace be with you."
"Mrs. Farnum was an example in so many ways, finding the joy and satisfaction in doing her best in a job that she loved. We are better people for knowing her. "
"Chuck, So sorry for the loss of your Mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Loved this woman!Fun and funny.sad day.She gave her all in everything she did.Thank you Chuck for staying with her caring for.you are a great son.you are your mother's son.Fun at heart too!"
"Janice Farnum was one of the reasons I went into music, and because of her, my parents, Weston Noble, and Don Moses, I grew into one who came to know and understand the impact of music on people's lives. Her standards were always very high but reachable, explaining in part her success as a devoted teacher. In short, she loved her students and inspired them to always do their best, and when this wasn't enough, she expected that we learn from our mistakes and simply do better the next time. There was no time for sadness but plenty for growth and improvement. This was a life lesson for all of us. She lived her craft and we loved her for it. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Dr. Jack Broman University of North Georgia Director of Choral Activities MCHS Class of 1965"
"She was beautiful thru and thru."
"She was a woman loved and respected by many. She will be missed. But she taught us all the joy of music and that music is in our hearts always. She will hold a tender spot in the hearts of many. May her family know and feel the love of God during this difficult time. To Chuck thank you for being your Mother's caregiver."