Janet Potthoff-Farner
Janet Potthoff-Farner
Janet Potthoff-Farner
February 2, 1962 – September 11, 2023
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 61
The beautiful soul that was Janet Potthoff Farner, age 61, of Oskaloosa, passed away at 5:45 P.M. on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the MHP Serenity Hospice House while being held by her daughter, son and husband. She passed away peacefully after a 5-year battle with cancer. Janet was born on February 2, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Orlando and Helen (Herrald) Potthoff. At age 2, the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In 1980, Janet graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College and University of Iowa where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She would later go on to earn her MBA from St. Ambrose University.
In June 1985, she started working for the Cargill Corn Plant in Cedar Rapids, then in June of 1989, Janet moved to Oskaloosa to start up the distribution for the new Cargill Eddyville citric acid plant.
Janet was introduced to the love of her life, Chad Farner, on her first day in Oskaloosa while playing a round of golf.
On January 20, 1990, the two became husband and wife.
Janet retired in 2020 from Cargill after 35 years in Supply Chain. She left with many wonderful memories of the people she worked with and the places around the world that she traveled for work.
Janet selflessly gave of her time and talents to many community groups including St. Paul’s Congregational United Church of Christ, Mahaska Hospice Auxiliary, United Way, PEO Chapter NN, the Environmental Learning Center, the Ecumenical Cupboard and PFLAG. She especially loved helping to organize the annual Cargill Christmas party.
In retirement, Janet enjoyed spending time with her kids, walking, riding bikes, and traveling. She always enjoyed an active life. She was eager to welcome a grandson due in 2024.
Janet is survived by her husband, Chad Farner of Oskaloosa; her children: Rachel (& Andy) Farner Hile of Omaha, Nebraska, and Ethan Farner of Seattle, Washington; one granddaughter, Norah Hile; a grandson on the way; her brother and his wife, Tom and Mimi Potthoff of Huntsville, Alabama; two sisters, Pat (& partner Martin Saffer) Paxton of Hillsboro, West Virginia, and Helen Potthoff of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Orlando and Helen Potthoff.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, September 18, 2023, at 10:30 AM in St Paul’s Congregational United Church of Christ, Oskaloosa, with Reverend Mellissa Sternhagen officiating.
Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa following the services.
Visitation will open Sunday, September 17, 2023, after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present from 2:00-4:00 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be designated to MHP Serenity Hospice House, St. Paul United Church of Christ or PFLAG of Oskaloosa.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Janet Potthoff-Farner please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
