Janet Lynn Platte

Janet Lynn Platte age 64 of Elma, IA died Monday, August 5, 2024, at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City, IA.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elma with Rev. Bruce Miller officiating. Inurnment will be held at Howard Cemetery in Elma.

Friends may greet the family from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Janet Lynn Platte left this world unexpectedly on August 5, 2024, while recovering from heart surgery at Floyd County Medical Center. Janet’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her work and her community.

Janet was born on September 21,1959, in Mason City, Iowa to Robert (Bob) and Marilyn (Davis) Brood. Her journey began on their family farm just outside of Swaledale, IA. She graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High School in 1978 (Go Rebels!). Janet then pursued her education at NIACC in Mason City, where she ended up with a M.R.S. degree when she met Tom, her future husband. The two were united in marriage on December 29, 1979 at United Methodist Church in Swaledale. Their first dance was to the tune of Waylon Jennings’ “Good Hearted Woman,” a fitting theme for Janet’s kind and caring spirit. They moved to Elma in 1984 where they had a loving home, raised their two daughters and eventually welcomed their four granddaughters.

Her professional life was as diverse as it was impactful. Her good work ethic stemmed from her early days as her father’s helper on the farm to her first job as a waitress at Perkins. Janet’s compassionate nature then led her to work as a CNA and then a surgical nurse aide at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa for over two decades. Janet’s last job just may have been her favorite, working at the Elma Locker and Grocery until she retired.

Active in her community, Janet served with enthusiasm and commitment. She was a Church Youth Group leader with Tom, assisted with the local Girl Scout troop and spent a lot of time volunteering at Tossed and Found. She enjoyed searching for special items and acting as a personal shopper for many people in her life. Janet was an active Park Board member during the establishment of the splash pad and park updates, just one testament to her desire to see the community grow.

Janet had many interests and she loved being involved, no matter the occasion.  As her daughters grew, she could always be found at their events, she was the ultimate dance, band and softball mom. No matter what the activity the granddaughters were involved in at that time, cross country, track, volleyball, wrestling, softball, band, jazz band, choir, show choir or dance, Grandma Janet was their #1 fan and attended every event she possibly could. She could always be heard cheering them on and snapping photos. Janet also remained spirited in her lifelong love for bowling and golf. She loved any chance to travel and spend time with her high school gal pals in Arizona or Florida, sipping yummy drinks and listening to Jimmy Buffett. Janet found contentment in Nora Roberts books, playing cards -any game -any time, crossword scratch tickets, bingo, Hallmark movies, and “The Guiding Light”.  She loved all things Christmas, camping and bonfires with special colored flames.

Janet was thoughtful, selfless and caring throughout all of her days. She will be remembered as a woman who lived her life with a big heart full of love and hands eager to help. She touched the lives of many and will be leaving an indelible mark on all of those who knew her.

Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Platte of Elma, IA; her daughters, Andrea (Brian) Palmersheim of Iowa City, IA, and Kayla (Andy) Sebastian of Cresco, IA; her cherished grandchildren, Addison and Anna Klein, Aria and Devin Sebastian; her father, Robert (Bob) Brood of Swaledale, IA; her sisters, Jean Ditsworth of Swaledale, IA, Patty Brood of Mason City, IA, and Mary Kaye (Mike) Kirschbaum of Rockwell, IA. and many nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her mother Marilyn and brother Danny.