Janice Hoffard, age 83 of Sac City, IA, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Auburn, IA. Janice Annette Gustafson was born on October 12, 1938, to parents Everett & Doris (Ang) Gustafson in Iowa City, IA. She was baptized as an infant at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, IA. Janice grew up in NW Iowa attending grade school in Arthur, IA, and high school in Early, IA.
On February 24, 1956, Janice was united in marriage to James Paul Hoffard in Storm Lake. This union was blessed with five children: Kenny, Carol, David, Connie, and James, Jr. They raised their children in Early before moving to Sac City in 1980. Janice stayed at home to raise the kids and also provided childcare for others, before she became a Home Health Aide.
Janice was a go-getter, always keeping busy whether it be tending to the garden and canning food from it, chasing chickens around (they raised and butchered them), going on walks, tending to her beloved cats, cross stitching, or doing crosswords. When she wasn’t busy doing those things you could find her reading, she was an avid reader. Janice and James enjoyed camping trips together later on in life. Sadly, at the young age of 52, James passed away, leaving Janice widowed for what would be the rest of her life.
She was never alone though as she had her children and their families that surrounded her up until the very end. Her family meant everything to her and spending time with them brought her the most joy. She fondly recalled the vacation she took with her daughter Connie out to the Black Hills in South Dakota. She really enjoyed that trip as she never really traveled much otherwise.
Her famous frosted sugar cookies at Christmastime must be mentioned. Although many have tried, to date, nobody has been able to make them to taste just like hers, even with her recipe in hand. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and her family and friends always enjoyed eating what she made.
As she became less mobile, you could find her watching many of her favorite shows that included everything from ghost hunting shows to old westerns. She had a love for swans and their pure beauty and enjoyed collecting anything related to them.
Janice was a sweet, kind soul. Her loving ways and generous smile will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Kenny (Colleen) Hoffard of Spencer, IA, Carol (Allan) Remmick of Auburn, IA, David, Sr. (Sharon) Hoffard of Sac City, IA, Connie (Marlin) Just of Sac City, IA, and James Hoffard, Jr. of Sac City, IA; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and another on the way; sister Judy Gustafson of Sac City, IA; brother-in-law Don Hoffard of Sac City, IA; sisters-in-law Norma Fink of Council Bluffs, IA, and Lois Hoffard of Storm Lake, IA; many other extended family members and friends.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Doris Gustafson; brothers Marlin and Ronald Gustafson; great-granddaughter Carlee Lambert; parents-in-law as well as several brothers/sisters-in-law.
