Janice Lavonne Schortinghuis

Mrs. Janice Lavonne Schortinghuis, 89, of Lebanon, Indiana, went to join her husband in Heaven on February 14, 2025. She had been residing at Homewood Health Campus prior to her passing.

Jan was born December 27, 1935, in Wayne, NE. She was the daughter of the late Erwin H. and Hilda M. (Frevert) Vahlkamp. She graduated from Wayne High School in Wayne, Nebraska in 1953 and then worked at Wayne State College. She married David F. Schortinghuis on July 3, 1955. He preceded her in death. They were married over 64 years.

Jan is survived by her three daughters – Sharon (Daniel) Amonett of Murfreesboro, TN, Diane (Timothy) Mills of Indianapolis, IN, and Carol (Frank) Jensen of Lebanon, IN. She has 7 grandchildren – Amy (Kenneth) Krahl, Becky (Jason) Courtoy, Christi (Tyler) Russ, Lizabeth (Tony) Witcher, Kelly Wurster, Patrick Jensen, and Christopher Jensen. She has 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Lynelle (Wilbur) Benshoof of Goode, Virginia.

Jan loved children and had part-time in-home childcare for preschoolers. She also loved spending time with her family. She got quite proficient with FaceTime and enjoyed calling her daughter and seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who lived out of state. She loved talking with her sister on FaceTime too.

Jan enjoyed quilting. Often when she and Dave were traveling, she would have pre-cut squares to put together. Each of her family members has received a handmade quilt. In addition to quilting, Jan loved to work the daily crossword puzzles. She always had her morning newspaper opened to the puzzle with her one cup of coffee (which, by the way, lasted all day). She was also well-known on a local radio station for all the contests she won. She and Dave loved to travel. After Dave retired, they would spend 6 weeks after Christmas in Florida visiting with family and retired friends.

Jan was very active in her church. She accompanied the congregation in singing by playing either the organ or piano. She was organist/ pianist at Christ’s Community Church in Fishers, Indiana for many years. Her greatest joy was accompanying her husband Dave when he sang solos.

Family and friends will gather Monday, February 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2625 Elm Swamp Road, Lebanon, Indiana, for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m. Jan will be laid to rest beside her husband at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Trinity Lutheran Church.