Janice Elaine Ricklefs

Janice Ricklefs, 78, of Iowa City, passed away surrounded by her loving family on May 1,2025, at The Bird House, a Hospice Home in Iowa City, after a 20-month courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
A visitation will be held from 9:30–11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at First Christian Church in Coralville. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at Mount Clark Cemetery in Central City, Iowa.
Jan was born on March 23, 1947, in Cedar Rapids to Virgil and Margaret (Stoecker) McArthur. After graduating from Central City High School, she attended AIB College of Business, then began working at the University of Iowa. In 1971, she joined the Dean's Office in the College of Business. She later became an administrative associate to the senior vice president for finance
and operations and a senior human resources representative.
On May 3, 1969, she married David Ricklefs in Central City. Together they raised two daughters, Kristin and Kathy, and shared nearly 56 years of marriage.
Jan gave her time to her church and community in many ways. She was active at First Christian Church in Coralville, serving as board moderator, church treasurer, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and a member and treasurer of Hannah Circle. She also volunteered at the Coralville Food Pantry.
Jan was a passionate reader and traveler who loved spending time in her garden. She always looked forward to cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, with a special enthusiasm for women's basketball.
Jan is survived by her husband, David; daughters: Kristin (Joe) Greathouse and Kathy (Kyle) Christianson; and grandchildren: Allison (Matt) Chaffee, Emily Greathouse (Mitchell Jacobsma), and Taylor Christianson. Her brother, V. Douglas (Shirley) McArthur, also survived her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, Delbert and Anna Faye Ricklefs.
Jan faced the final months of her life with quiet strength. They were difficult, both physically and emotionally, but she met each day with strength and courage. Her family is grateful to Dr. Grerk Sutamtewagul and his team at UIHC, as well as Iowa City Hospice and The Bird House, for the care and kindness they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Coralville Food Pantry, First Christian Church, Iowa City Hospice, or The Bird House.