Janet Gladys Oleson was born in rural Butler County, the second youngest of 11 children, to August and Lena (Huber) Oleson. Growing up Janet was a member of The Little Brown Church in Nashua and gave her heart to Jesus while at a special service. That spiritual heart transformation guided her daily life for all the days that she lived. She graduated from Nashua High School and continued her education through a 10-week course at Upper Iowa College. Upon completion she became certified to teach at country schools. A life-long learner, Janet continued pursuing her education by attending night classes and summer school and over time she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Teaching from Wartburg College and her Master’s Degree from UNI.
On August 18, 1946, Janet was united in marriage with Dwight Barnhart at her home church, The Little Brown Church. Janet loved being married to Dwight while they enjoyed 66 years of marriage, traveled to many places, and raised four children.
Janet taught at various country schools including Readlyn, Bradford and rural Greene. In 1955 she began teaching in the Greene Public School system in junior high math and eventually high school English. In total she taught for 42 years until retiring in 1989. Nothing made Janet happier than talking to former students. She was known for remembering all her students as well as their siblings and parents, some of whom were both taught by her.
She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Greene and very active in Bible studies and prayer groups. She also taught Sunday School and Youth groups for many years. She enjoyed spending time vacationing with her family (many years while using only a tent), having family dinners at least once a month after her kids had grown, where she made wonderful breads and salads, and working on a magnificent flower garden she had in her backyard. She was also an avid ISU Football fan for many years, attending games with family and grandchildren.
Family include her children: Diane (Paul) Larson, Fort Dodge; Karen (Chuck) Franke, Charles City; Debra (Matt) Homer, Aredale; Carl (Marcia) Barnhart, Mount Vernon; grandchildren: Nickolas (Jasmine) Franke; Molly (Matt) Eliott; Joshua (Maggie) Franke; Jonathan (Courtney) Noelting; Joel (Kayla) Noelting; Rachel (s/o TJ) Noelting; Samuel (s/o Shannon) Noelting; Ryan Bailey; Jesse (s/o Crystale) Homer; Michele (Rob) Schmidt; Nathaniel (Anna) Barnhart; Aaron (Emilee) Barnhart; 18 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.
Janet (Oleson) Barnhart, 101, of Greene, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at Floyd County Medical Center, Charles City. Janet is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her 5 brothers and 5 sisters.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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