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Janice Elaine Leu was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on March 30, 1933. She lived in Arizona from 1998 until 2021 before returning to Council Bluffs, where she passed away on September 17, 2025.
Janice had a zest for life and never turned down an opportunity to spend time with others. Janice was a talented artist with a passion for painting and quilting. Most important to her were her family and her faith in God.
She and her husband Harold were married for 38 years, spending 25 years as successful realtors in Council Bluffs with Hunter Realty, Century 21, and NP Dodge. In 1998, they moved to Peoria, AZ to enjoy their retirement in the sunshine.
In 2021, Janice returned to Council Bluffs with her daughter Angela. The last 1 ½ years of her life were spent at The Heritage at Fox Run Assisted Living, where she made many new friends and was cared for with much love and compassion.
Janice was courageous, kind, and joyful, and she was known for her positive attitude, genuine smile, and sparkling eyes. She cherished everyone in her life, and her absence will be felt by many.
Janice's family rejoices in a life well-lived, and they find comfort knowing she is in the arms of Our Lord and Savior.
Janice was preceded in death by her father, Frank B. Rief; mother, Eve Marie (Haynes) Davis; spouse, Harold J. Leu; sister, Betty Chase; brother, Marshall Rief; brother-in-law, Dale Snyder; son-in-law, Norman Lamb; daughter-in-law, Marlo (Maaske) Livengood; granddaughter, Grace Kiefer; and great-granddaughter, Bryanna Poppen.
Janice is survived by her children: Marcia Lamb, Darrell Livengood, Angela Holly-Downs; her sisters: Kristie Woolard (Pat) and Ruth Ann Snyder; her grandchildren: Dana Nelsen, Amber Douglas (Steven), Ned Reynolds Jr., Mathew Wright (Cassie), Joshua Smith (Carissa), and Hannah Kiefer; her seven great-grandchildren; her goddaughter, Janice Barajas (Rodger); and many extended family members and friends.
Services will be celebrated privately by the family.
1221 North 16th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501-0143
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