Janice I. Coon

Janice Ilene Coon, of Minden, passed away unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday June 25, 2025, at the age of 75. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday July 14, 2025, at Minden United Methodist Church with Rev. Kayla Mangrich officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Private family inurnment will be held prior to services at the Minden Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Janice’s honor are kindly suggested to Paws Up Kearney County and may be sent to 141 Nance Ave. Minden, NE 68959. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Janice was born at the Sealy Memorial Hospital in Minden on February 15, 1950. She was the first of four daughters born to Glenn Coon Jr. and Joyce Ann Coon (Johansen). Janice attended the Heartwell School from K-8 and then Minden High School, graduating in 1968. She then attended Grand Island Business School to receive a secretarial degree. After completing her degree, Janice moved to Arlington, Virginia to work in the Civil Service section of the United States Navy. After the death of her mother, Janice cut short her career to help care for her younger sisters in 1970. During her time at home, she worked at the Gibbon Bank, Heartwell Steakhouse, and Heartwell Co-op. Janice had a zest for travel and in 1972 she reconnected with girlfriends she had met while working with the Navy. They went on a backpacking trip to Europe, visiting 10 different countries. Later she moved to Colorado Springs and worked for the Ampex Corporation. While living there, Janice developed a love for the fall colors in Colorado. Janice ultimately moved back to Nebraska and attended Kearney State College. In 1982, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Educational Media. Upon completion, she worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney as an Employment Specialist and later in the hospital library. Janice worked at Good Sam for over 30 years. Once she “retired”, she worked part-time at the Minden Library as a Records Specialist. Janice enjoyed working at the Minden Library. She loved books and she loved socializing with the library patrons. Additionally, she managed the partnership for the family farm for the last 24 years. Janice retired a year and a half ago and was enjoying her free time. Janice loved to cook and bake. She was always looking for a reason to try out a new recipe that she recently found. Volunteering was important to Janice. She served on the United Way Board of Directors for many years. She was also involved with the Goldenrod Girl Scout Council, Heartwell Alumni Association, Buffalo County Citizen Advocacy Group, and Paws Up Kearney County. Those left to cherish her memory include sisters Marilyn Coon of Heartwell, Nancy Coon of Gladstone, Missouri, and Betty Hernandez (Pedro) of Denver; nephew, Cole DeShazer (Joslynn) of Denver; great-niece, Tegan DeShazer; great-nephew, Maddux DeShazer; and many friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Janice I. Coon

February 15, 1950 - June 25, 2025