Janice McLain

A Funeral Mass for Janice McLain, age 89 of Ewing, NE will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at S t. John's Catholic Church at rural Ewing, NE. Revs. John Norman and James Kramper will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery. Preceding the Funeral Mass there will be a visitation at the church from 9-10 am followed by a Parish Rosary at 10 am. Janice passed away with her family by her side on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Country Lane Retirement Village in O'Neill, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill.

Janice Marie Bartak was born on August 25, 1936, on the family farm in Wheeler County, Nebraska, to Adolph and Marie (Pavel) Bartak. She attended country school at District 21 in Wheeler County and later graduated from Wheeler County High School with the Class of 1953. Following high school, Janice attended airline school in Omaha, Nebraska, to pursue training as a stewardess. She then returned to Neligh, where she was employed by Dr. McClenahan.

Janice met Pat McLain, and the couple were united in marriage on December 27, 1955, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ewing, Nebraska. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while Pat was employed with Western Credit Union. In 1959, they returned to the family farm in rural Wheeler County, where they raised their family.

Janice was a longtime and devoted member of St. John's Catholic Church and was active in the Christian Mothers organization. She was also a member of the Extension Club, where she enjoyed the fellowship of her neighboring friends.

She was well known for her exceptional cooking and took great pleasure in preparing meals for her family, harvest crews, and friends. Janice also enjoyed traveling, sewing, quilting, and gardening, pursuits that reflected her creativity, generosity, and love of home.

Janice is survived by her daughters, Micki (Jeff) Wright of Ewing, NE and Jacki (Tony) Fiamengo of San Pedro, CA; sons, Dan (Janet) McLain of Ewing, NE and Gary McLain of Kansas City, MO; 11 grandkids; 20 great grandkids; sister, Shirley Sunderman of O'Neill, NE; sister-in-law, Judy Ita of Ericson, NE; other relatives, neighbors, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Marie (Pavel) Bartak; husband, Pat McLain; father and mother-in-law, Art and Mina McLain; great grandson, Kai Burgos; infant brother; brothers in law and sisters in law.