Janet Iversen

Janet Beth Iversen (Walli) passed on to glory from her home on February 21, 2022. Born in L’Anse, Michigan, on January 10, 1935, she was the only child of Severi John Walli and Lillian Westberg. Janet grew up in the Copper Country where her father worked as a schoolteacher. She often recalled fond memories of her mother Lillian cooking up fresh-caught brook trout from her father’s fishing outings, and of grandparents Lars and Matilda Westberg, who immigrated to the UP from Sweden, as well as John and Fanni Walli from Finland.

In 1951, Janet moved with her parents to Huntington Woods, Michigan, where she studied for a career as a teacher and graduated from Wayne State University. She taught at Pierce Elementary School in Birmingham, and at Burton Elementary School in Huntington Woods. In later years, Janet returned to her passion for teaching–this time shepherding children in Huron United Methodist Children’s Church.

Janet married Peter Hugh Iversen at the Royal Oak Methodist Church on July 12, 1958. Pete’s career with General Motors took the family to East Grand Rapids in 1975, where Janet met her dear friend Eleanor Palmer with whom she stayed in close contact through the remainder of her years. In 1981, the family moved again to Huron, Ohio, where Janet and Peter have remained for four decades near the shores of Lake Erie.

Janet and Peter dedicated themselves to their lifelong partnership with a focus on family, raising 6 children and culminating in 17 grandchildren. With the advent of so many new babies, it was inevitable that the couple would receive nicknames: “Jan Jan” and “Bop Bop” are still part of the family vernacular. Janet is remembered for her eternal optimism and loving encouragement.

Janet’s children and their families which she leaves behind include sons, Erik (Sara Russo) Iversen of Caldwell, NJ, Peter (Andrea Hess) Iversen of Powell, OH, and Jonathon (Allison Trite) Iversen of Lake Orion, MI; daughters, Kristin (Joe) Hickey of Millwood, VA, Amy (Scott) Harris of Chagrin Falls, OH, and Heather (Trey) Hardy of Huron; and grandchildren, Fisher, Vivian, Tristan, and Anna Iversen, Thomas and Rachel Hickey, Katie and Lilly Harris, Max, Andrew, and Charlie Hardy, Isaac and Caroline Iversen, and Noah, Lauren, Cooper, and Annelise Iversen.

A private memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10