Janice Furgison

Janice Furgison, 60, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at her home in Altoona. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 31, at Hope Lutheran Church, 3857 E. 42nd St. in Des Moines, IA. Visitation will be held the evening before from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th St. SW, Altoona, IA. Burial will be at Lincoln Cemetery in Knoxville, IA.

Janice was born January 13, 1955 to Arnold and Karen Whiteaker in Des Moines, Iowa. She worked for Dahl’s, Marriot Hotel, and Prairie Meadows for many years.

In her free time, Janice enjoyed crocheting, roller skating, decorating for every season, and flower gardening. She was a devoted Hawkeye’s fan and also enjoyed go-kart and car racing. Janice was known for her big heart. She loved spending time with her family who brought her great joy. Her proudest achievement in life was being a good wife, mother, and nanny. In addition, Janice cared for her mother during her mother’s struggle with breast cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry; children, Fona (Jonni) Holtry, Michael D. (Jennifer) Furgison, and Christeena (Josh) Knust; step-children, Larry Furgison, Jr., Denise (Jay) Price, Lisa (Paul) Cooper, and Brian (Kayla) Thornton; mother, Karen Essex; brothers, Arnold Essex and Delbert Essex; sisters, Kimberly Essex-Miller and Judith Essex-Tingley; uncle, Forrest (Jackie) McCuen; 21 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. Janice was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Whiteaker; granddaughter, Aryonna Knust; and her grandparents, Lawrence and Janice McCuen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Janice.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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