My husband wrote his own obituary, so I took that as a challenge to do mine.
I was born on February 9, 1938, in my great-grandmother’s house in West Des Moines, IA. I was the oldest child of H.C. (Cubby) and Bertha Miller Harmon. I was later joined by two sisters. I grew up in West Des Moines and was a 1956 graduate of Valley High School. I never sought fortune or fame. I just wanted a comfortable home and a good family.
In 1960, I married Norman Townsend and we really struck gold with our family – they are the best! I have three daughters and a stepson. We spent most of our years on a farm near St. Charles, IA.
I had several office jobs, but the longest one lasted 26 years at Norwest Bank/Wells Fargo.
My idea of a perfect evening was reading a good book and drinking a cup of hot tea or watching a good movie on TV with my crocheting in hand. I could have been the poster person for introverts!
Jan leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Norman; daughters, Becky (Britt) Davis, of Kansas City, KS, Amy (Brian) Pickering, of Ankeny, IA, and Chris (Steve) Karpowich of Lenexa, KS.; stepson, Norman A. (Susan) of Waco, TX.; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and sister, Kay (Susie) Fisher of Urbandale. She was proceeded in death by her sister, Mary Jean Harmon.
A visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Care on 7975 University Blvd in Clive, IA on Monday, May 9 from 6 to 8 PM. A celebration of life will be held at West Des Moines Christian Church on 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy on Tuesday, May 10 at 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Pink Tractor Foundation, supporting families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, at 3845 G50 HWY St. Charles, IA 50240.
