Janet Elizabeth (Ernzen) Vance, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 14, 2026.

The Funeral Service for Janet will be 10:00 am Friday, August 21, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church with Mother Susan Forshey SCP officiating. Private family burial will be in St. Johns Episcopal Church Columbarium.

Janet was born November 11, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Mathias “Matt” and Ethel (Lang) Ernzen.

She married Cortney D. Vance, Sr. on November 2, 1957, and enjoyed 68 years together.

She was a life long member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Janet was a strong believer in the “Daughters of the King of St. John’s Episcopal Church,” which she held very close to her heart.

She graduated from Senior High School in 1956.

Janet was employed by Senior High School for 18 years, and Hempstead High School for two years as a cafeteria cook.

Volunteering was a core part of Janet’s life. She was involved in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. While volunteering in Boy Scouts, she became the 1st female vigil member of the “Order of the Arrow” Northeast Iowa Council and also received the “Silver Beaver Award”. Janet was also a dedicated volunteer at Unity Point Health – Finley Hospital for 33 years. In 2023, Unity Point recognized Janet for reaching a milestone of 9,000 volunteer hours.

She is survived by her husband, Cortney “Corky” ; four children, Cheryl (Rod) Flaskerud, Susan (Dave) Hinz, Cortney D. (Carol) Vance, Jr., and Douglas (Sara) Vance; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ron Ernzen.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Finley Hospital Volunteers.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Janet’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.