Obituary for Janet Rae Wright

Janet Rae (Gerdes) Wright, 89, of Jesup, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 27, 2026, after experiencing a sudden brain hemorrhage.

Jan was born on October 1, 1936, to Francis and Leona Gerdes in Jesup, Iowa. Jan started her career while in school, working at the local movie theater, then at the Jesup Meat Locker. She graduated from Jesup High School in 1954. In 1957, Jan married the love of her life, Keith Wright. Later, the two took a leap of faith and bought a farm north of Jesup. They milked cows, grew crops, and went on to raise hogs, all while instilling farm life values in their four children. Along the way Jan also worked as a substitute mail carrier and later at Consolidated Energy in Jesup.

 Jan's happiest moments were spent on the farm with her family, tending to their many gardens, preserving food with Keith to give away to family and friends, and going on frequent gator rides to check the sweet corn. She cherished hosting family and friends with homemade, home-grown meals, especially summer nights on the porch and Christmas time in the garage with their blowmold collection.

Jan would tell everyone her favorite foods were strawberries, sweet corn, and french fries. She was an avid knitter, supplying family with dishcloths that matched their kitchens. Jan felt music in her bones, teaching piano to several grandchildren. For the past 19 years, Jan was a regular at Friday night Hootenanny sessions playing her accordion while jamming with other musicians.

 Jan is survived by her husband Keith Wright; four children: Laura (Mike) Cook of West Branch, Russell (Sherry) Wright of Dunkerton, Luann (Tony) Skarlupka of Green Bay, and Rachel (Rob) Thomas of Fairbank; eleven grandchildren: Sam (Kelsi) Perkins, Clay (Kirsten) Cook, Cole (Courtney) Cook, Jake (Alyssa) Wright, Bailey (Matt) White, Clare Wright, Grace Skarlupka, Leo Skarlupka, Piper (Adam) Connors, Timber (Paul) Richter, and Bobbi Thomas. Additionally, Jan had the joy of welcoming into the family nine great grandchildren: Charlotte, Hazel, Ledger, Cohen, Wyatt, Warren, Maren, Josephine, and Robert. Jan is also survived by a sister Renee Peelen of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents: Francis H. and Leona M. Jensen Gerdes; and siblings: Jim Gerdes and Audree Reinhart.

Jan created a life filled with warmth, hard work, good food and endless love that will live on through her family.

Per Jan's wishes, no funeral service will be held. Her ashes will be spread on the family farm.