Janice Anne (Collins) Hannemann, age 80, of Nashua died July 3, 2026, at her home in Nashua.
Janice (Jan) was born on November 6, 1945, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of William and Alma (Lubbs) Collins. She grew up on the family farm near Janesville, where a deep appreciation for nature first took root. As the youngest of four sisters, Jan spent countless hours outdoors exploring, playing, and helping her mother around the house. It was there that she developed a lifelong love for animals, especially cats and kittens, which she happily carried around the family homestead whenever she could. Jan attended Janesville Community School, where she was an active participant in basketball. Following her graduation, she attended Wartburg College, earning her degree in elementary education in 1967. That same year, she began what would become a remarkable 43-year career teaching at Nashua Elementary School (Nashua-Plainfield Elementary School), dedicating herself to generations of students with compassion, patience, and commitment.
Jan married Tom Hannemann on September 21, 1979, to which three beautiful children were born. Her life as a mother was devoted 100% to her children; they were her world, and she was selfless in raising them. Nothing brought Jan greater joy than being a mother and grandmother. As her family grew, she welcomed a daughter-in-law and son-in-law with open arms, embracing them as her own. Becoming Grandma to seven grandchildren was one of life’s greatest gifts and she treasured every moment spent with them. Whether cheering from the stands at sporting events, applauding concerts or dance performances, or simply spending time together, Jan was a constant and loving presence. Her family was the center of her world and she found her greatest happiness in watching each of them grow.
Throughout her life, she found joy in both learning and sharing what she knew. As a dedicated teacher, she touched the lives of countless children with her guidance, strength, and wisdom. Gift giving, often in excess, was Jan’s language of love and nothing made her happier than finding meaningful ways to brighten someone else’s day. She had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, watching birds, the stories of history, and the words inside a good book. She enjoyed crocheting and shared this hobby as she provided blankets that warmed not only her family and friends, but also many people she had never met. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. As a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Nashua, Jan found countless opportunities to share Jesus’ love through acts of kindness and service. More than anything, she treasured genuine human connection. Her face lit up in every conversation, every visit, and every opportunity to spend time with those she loved.
Jan’s memory is honored by her children, Mike (Kristi) Hannemann of Nashua, Cindy (John) Olson of Reinbeck, Matt Hannemann of Nashua, seven grandchildren, Mahayla Olson, Tavia Olson, Breeya Olson, Jaylon Olson, Kami Hannemann, Kaden Hannemann, and Kael Hannemann; and many nieces and nephews.
Jan is survived by one sister, Jean Collins of Cedar Falls; a brother-in-law, Tod Hannemann (Christy) of Las Vegas; and a sister-in-law, Mary Gibson of California.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alma Collins; husband, Tom Hannemann; sister and brother in law, Fern and Gerald Green; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and DeForest Dix; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Marion Hannemann; brother in law, Paul Hannemann Jr; two sister-in-laws, Deanna Green and Judith Hannemann; and one nephew, Troy Hannemann.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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