Jan Switzer

Janet Switzer was truly one of a kind. A true lady, she was a woman who embraced life with great character and compassion as a loving and loyal supporter of her family, friends and community. She channeled her passion for learning in multiple ways throughout her life, touching many through her insight, faith, honesty and integrity. Janet knew what was important in life, and although often frugal, she delighted in a good deal. She valued hard work, but also appreciated a smart work ethic just the same. Her loving memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The year 1944 played a significant role in the history of America. As World War II raged overseas, rationing took place on the home front for the war effort. Women replaced men who were off in the throes of war in the local factories and at home while the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion made headlines along with worrisome hearts. The entertainment world brought welcome relief with the sounds of Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters while American baseball created a needed diversion during times of struggle. Another important event took place in the lives of Herman and Marie Margaret (Harris) Debus of Lansing, Michigan when on September 12, 1944 they were blessed with the birth of a beautiful baby girl they lovingly named Janet.

Janet’s grandparents emigrated as Germans from Russia to Lincoln, Nebraska and brought with them the traditions of a noble work ethic. Integrity, honesty and frugality was a mainstay in Janet‘s upbringing of which she lived by her whole life through and in years to come instilled in her own children. As a child, her family moved to Lansing, Michigan where work was available in the auto industry. Her father was a hardworking millwright while her mother made cushion seats, both for auto supply manufacturers. The eldest of two children, Janet grew up with her younger brother Ron; their playmates were the children of the families of the Germans from Russia group (about 10 families).

From an early age Janet displayed a keen interest in learning. Education was always high on her list of priorities and was made evident in her studies. She was an avid reader and her thirst for learning new things was seldom quenched. As a young girl Janet enjoyed crocheting and counted cross stitch, becoming quite talented at both. She enjoyed memorable times with two especially close friends while in her teens. Janet, Carol and Mary were always up to something fun, but Jan, or “Deb” as she was often called, short for Debus, was always the straight arrow in the mix.

Jan excelled in school and graduated from Eastern High School with the Class of 1962. She went on to attend Michigan State University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a minor in English and History in 1965. Life as Jan knew it soon changed when she met a young man named Richard Switzer who was in Lansing serving his residence training at the Estes-Leadley Funeral Home.

Dick agreed to go to the Home Dairy Cafeteria with an associate in mid-December – at the beginning of Jan’s Christmas break from college. Dick didn’t return until the last day of her Christmas break. Both had spoken to their mutual friends about the other and Dick asked Jan on a date. Both really believed that God had a hand in their meeting due to the timing of the dates. They spent their first date going to see the Sword and the Stone. Unfortunately, Dick’s car locks froze, and he barely got Jan home before curfew. Quite enamored, their feelings were mutual and they spent Jan’s entire break from school together. They continued to date and enjoyed wonderful times together. Dick was outgoing and social while Jan was soft spoken and intellectual. He tried to bring Jan out of her shell and she tried to rein Dick in. It was a match made in heaven.

On September 4, 1965 Dick and Jan were married at the University United Methodist Church in East Lansing before a congregation of family and friends. They spent a memorable honeymoon in Holt, Michigan when their plans for Niagara Falls were hampered by the weather. The two set-up house together in a newly developed Lakeside Mobile Home Park in Flint, Michigan. A few months later, Dick reported for Military Draft with the US Army in January of 1966. At this time, Jan began her teaching years with the Flint Area Kersley School District. When Dick returned from Vietnam in 1968, they moved to Memphis, Michigan where she taught in the Armada School System until 1970 when they moved on to Battle Creek, Michigan and started their family.

They welcomed Jeff into their arms in 1972. It was during this time in 1973 when Jan and Dick purchased a funeral home of their own in Galesburg, serving the community they came to love for nearly 30 years. Four and a half years later while living in Galesburg, Lisa completed their family in 1977. When Jeff was born Jan was very nervous handling her new role, but before long settled into motherhood, and thrived caring for and loving him. By the time Lisa came along, Jan was a natural. Times were tight financially in their household. With her determined nature, Jan left the children in the care of a babysitter, and vowed not to return until she landed a job. She did return, and found a job that very day.

In time Jan landed at Kalamazoo County as a temp in the steno pool and later as a District Coordinator for the County Circuit Court, for a total of 19 years before retiring. Always on the strict and frugal side, Jan blended these traits lovingly as a caring and devoted mother. There was much laughter and joy shared over the years in the midst of their home and memorable times to be treasured. For Jan, the care, welfare and education of her children were of the utmost importance and she carried this dedication through to her grandchildren and extended family. She always took care of everyone until she could no longer do so, and as always, her advice and insight was readily given, whether wanted or not.

As an adult, Jan continued to challenge herself by learning and reading new things. Her children rarely saw her without a book. In all she did, Jan excelled and took everything on as her own. Faith was another important part of Jan’s life. When she retired from Kalamazoo County in 2001, she and Dick began spending half of each year in Gulf Shores, Alabama where they bought a second home. She became a member of the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church there while remaining a faithful member of Galesburg United Methodist Church at home in Michigan. They absolutely loved the community of Gulf Shores, their church family and a multitude of friends became another extended family for the couple. Jan was readily involved with Gulf Shores Prayer Shawl Group and was an active member of The Tea Leaf International Club, an organization for collectors of china. She also enjoyed the Ladies Tuesday Card Quartet in Gulf Shores and several investment clubs she belonged to.

Throughout the years Jan enjoyed much. She loved to read and jumped into anything that had to do with financial management. She crocheted and knitted beautiful pieces over the years and liked looking through cookbooks. Treasured times were spent with her grandchildren, and always in the market for a good bargain, she frequented garage sales and thrift shops. When she landed a good deal, Jan was in her glory with a winning smile. An avid MSU fan, she cheered for all of their teams and passed on her love for her alma mater to her son, Jeff. Jan was a loyal woman, and almost to fault when it came to anything or anyone she loved or cared about. She went the extra mile in all that she did, usually quietly behind the scenes, but ever so diligently dedicated.

Jan Switzer was a remarkable woman and truly one of a kind. Always a lady, she held the position of teacher in her daily life and was a strong, steadfast supporter of her family and community. The world of finance, investing and reading were her avocations and she always encouraged thrift and value as well as excellence in all she achieved and from those she came in contact. Her legacy of making do just as well with something used as with something brand new will remain a fond remembrance of those she leaves behind, but more importantly, her love and devotion to the many lives she touched will be endlessly treasured. She and her husband had a genuine partnership; they were truly a match made in heaven.

At the age of 65, Janet K. Switzer passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 3, 2010 after a long illness. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her two cherished children and their spouses: Jeffrey D. & Sheri Switzer of Mattawan, Michigan and Lisa M. & Mark Eiseman of Arvada, Colorado; three granddaughters: Alexandria & Samantha Switzer, and Adelaigh Hannah Eiseman; her brother and sister-in-law, Ronald & Linda Debus of Marion, Iowa; her special daughter, Jodi Clock of Muskegon, Michigan; two uncles: George & Marie Harris of Lincoln, Nebraska and J. Peter Harris of Denver, Colorado; a niece and two nephews; a number of cousins and many special friends in Gulf Shores and throughout the United States.

Services in Galesburg, Michigan were held on May 7, 2010 with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. The Switzer family will welcome friends on Friday, August 27, 2010 at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama for a memorial service at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary, Reverend Glenn Butler, Reverend Jody Hanna Krantz and Reverend Dean Lanning officiating. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in her memory to the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, Music Department, or the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Please visit Jan’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory, photo, sign her online guest book or make a memorial contribution.