Janice Maurine (Sederburg) Faris

Janice Maurine (Sederburg) Faris was born on October 17, 1945 in Carroll, Iowa. She was the daughter of Ervin Sederburg and Marjorie (McIntyre) Sederburg. She joined two brothers, Curtis and Ron. At a young age the family moved to Creston and then to Red Oak where she started public school. In 1963 she graduated from high school and left for Morningside College in Sioux City. It was there that she met Richard Faris. They were married on March 21, 1965 in Red Oak. They lived in Clifton, Illinois while her husband attended seminary. To them were born three sons: Timothy, Tod and David. 

In October of 1968 the family moved to Iowa and lived in several towns where her husband was pastor. Janice was a caring mother and enjoyed staying at home and raising her children. Her love for children lead her to care for the children of other families in her home. In Columbus Junction the house was a short block from the school. Older siblings were often dropped off with the younger children and they would walk to school together when it was time. They would return after school until the parents could pick them up after work. While living in Holstein, Jan went to other family’s homes to care for their children. 

Jan liked being at home. She didn’t attend clubs and groups much. Often when away from home, she was friendly and would say hi to most everyone.  She would start conversations with strangers in checkout lines. Jan sent birthday and Christmas cards to family, friends and for a while to everyone having a birthday at Wesley (Acres) on Grand. The cards and envelopes would be covered with stickers of sports, animals, hearts and designs appropriate to the persons interests. She would shop for presents for the family all year long and often have trouble remembering where she had hidden them all.  She loved animals, especially bears and moose and had them on pillows and clothing as well as nick-nacks all over the house.  Jan loved to vacation with family, especially in the mountains. For many years, she and Richard traveled west to the mountains in September. In January and February, she liked to go south east to get away from the Iowa winters and to enjoy the ocean. Earlier this month they were able to go to Colorado and she was very happy by a lake with the mountains beyond, before her declining health forced them to hurry home. 

Though she had many surgeries with long recoveries including three brain tumors removed and radiation on a 4th brain tumor, she fought hard to regain her health. Through these challenges she remained accepting, easy to care for and filled with faith in God. She loved to see her sons, daughter in laws and grandchildren, and they supported her to the end. We are grateful for the love and knowledge of the Wesley Life Hospice caregivers. 

Janice Faris died on Friday, September 22, 2023 at home with her husband and family caring for her. 

She is survived by her husband, Richard Faris of Des Moines, IA 50312, three sons: Tim of Des Moines, Tod (Hope) of Centerville, David (Diane) of Des Moines, 6 grandchildren: Garrett of Ankeny, Rachel of Oceanside, CA, Nathan of Newton, Tyler and Tessa of Des Moines, Addyson of Centerville, great granddaughter, Cora of Newton and her brother, Curtis Sederburg of Ames. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ron.  

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Chapel (7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, Iowa 50321) where the family will greet friends one hour prior to services.  A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Monday, October 2, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Gardens (7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, Iowa  50321.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and will be used for United Methodist Camp Scholarships. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice Maurine (Sederburg) Faris, please visit our floral store.