Janet V. Mehus

Janet Virginia Mehus (Olson) of Iola, WI, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on February 3, 2026, at The Willows in Iola, WI.

Janet was born on February 19, 1933, on a farm near Iola, WI, to parents Hanford and Alice (Johnson) Olson. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Iola and graduated from Iola (Hilltoppers) High School in 1951. Janet met Donald G. Mehus, and they were married on September 5, 1953, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Iola).

When Janet was in the 7th and 8th grade, she played for the junior choir at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Iola. In Janet's confirmation class, the pastor encouraged her to learn the organ. Her piano teacher went with Janet to the church and showed her the various stops to use for each keyboard and which stops to use for congregational singing. By Janet's junior and senior year of high school, she was playing for church every Sunday as well as accompanying the choir. Janet's overall career as a church organist spanned the course of 41 years.

Janet was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and enjoyed participating in the church's circle, quilting group, and served as church librarian. In addition to her musical skills, Janet also enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, taking art classes by mail, and spending time on her computer creating cards for all occasions. In 1998, Janet wrote about her experiences as an organist in an unpublished memoir, "Behind the Pulpit." Additionally, in 2002, Janet wrote a memoir, "I Remember When... Stories From My Childhood Days."

Janet is survived by her son Dale Mehus of Lake Mills, IA, daughter Ruth Lutz (Dale) of Amherst Junction, WI, and daughter Luann Loberg (William) of Amherst Junction, WI, grandchildren Jenna Ambrose (Travis) of Amherst Junction, WI, Miles Lutz of Amherst Junction, WI, Julie Lea (Nic) of Amherst Junction, WI, Jared Lutz (April) of Abrams, WI, John Loberg of Amherst Junction, WI, and her sister Ardelle Shanklin of Iola, WI, along with nine great grandchildren, and Dr. Kenneth Olson, a dearly beloved best friend since 2013, who was encouraged by Janet's Uncle Norman Johnson (deceased of Iola, WI) to reach out to Janet Mehus for companionship. When winter weather was icy at the church, Kenneth was there to assist Janet with his strong arm of confidence and together they travelled toward the beginning of a new journey together.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband Donald, parents Hanford and Alice Olson, and brother Arlie Olson of Lake Milles, IA.

The Funeral Service for Janet will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Rev. Gail Kenny officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Interment will be in Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery in Iola.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Willows memory care center in Iola, and St. Croix Hospice. They also want to express thanks and appreciation to Pastor Gail Kenny for spiritual and prayer support, along with all Janet's friends and relatives who have been praying for her.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Janet's name to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 395 E. Iola Street, Iola, WI 54945.