Jan was born on September 3, 1952, in Eldora to Bert and Gwenlyn Pagel. She grew up in Melbourne and Marshalltown. She was a 1970 MHS grad, 1972 MCC grad and received her BA from Simpson College in 1974.

Her retail management career began with Montgomery Ward in Marshalltown and then to Norfolk, Nebraska. She joined ALCO in Topeka, Kansas, and then managed stores in Newton, Atlantic and Dennison, Iowa. From there to Pascagoula, Mississippi, then Little Rock, Arkansas, to Belen and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Joining Best Buy in Mesa she went from a General Manager to the District Product Services Manager for Arizona.

Changing careers to education she attended Rio Salado College and then taught junior high school Special Ed until she retired.

Her love of her life for the last 9 years was her rescued fur baby Kirby. She was an avid reader with Kirby enjoying her lap. She also loved to lounge in her swimming pool with Kirby watching from the edge.

She is survived by brothers Dave (Beverly), of Des Moines, and Steve (Sida), of Mesa, along with nieces and nephews.

Memorials in her name may be directed to your local animal shelter. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the Pagel family.