Janice Hellwege Malmin

January 17, 1945 - December 6, 2008

Janice (Jan) Hellwege Malmin passed peacefully through the heavenly gates on November 29, 2008 after a short illness. She received exceptional care and comfort from the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital South, in Overland Park, Kansas during her illness. She had relocated to Overland Park from the Minneapolis area just one year ago. Janice was born January 17, 1945 in Boone, Iowa as the first child of Paul E. Hellwege and Phoebe (Benson) Hellwege. She graduated from Boone High School in 1963 and subsequently attended the University of Iowa, where she enjoyed her studies in psychology as well as embracing various musical activities. Her musical talents there resulted in her recognition as an accomplished pianist and organist. She began accompanying vocal groups in high school as well as playing the violin; later continuing to develop her keyboard talents in both classical and sacred music. After college, she provided worship music to local churches in Tennessee, New Jersey, South Dakota and most recently for the Gloria Dei Lutheran congregation in St. Paul. Minnesota. Janice lived a full life, especially in her years in Iowa, Tennessee, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Those who knew her were drawn to her outgoing nature and broad smile. Many were enchanted by her exuberant opinions on life, politics and all creatures great and small. Always engaging in lively conversations, laughing and making others comfortable drew people to her. She wisely chose a career in Human Resources management and tackled the issues of talent selection and retention with enthusiasm in several different industries, including Union Carbide and Research-Cottrell. Janice was a lifetime animal lover, who adopted many cats during her lifetime, cherishing each for their peculiarities and personalities. She was also a gifted weaver, seamstress and quilter, sharing the results of her efforts with her many friends and family members. She took great pride in the Iowa Hawkeyes and proudly wore black and gold on game days. She was also extremely interested in politics and the Democratic Party. All who love her witnessed her joy at the recent election and her dedicated hope for our country. Janice was preceded in death by her mother, Phoebe Hellwege and brother, David Hellwege as well as her grandparents. Surviving are her father, Judge Paul E. Hellwege; her aunt, Wilma Bennett; and cousins Karla and Walt Jenkins; all of Boone, Iowa. Also surviving are her cousins, Twila Torres of Overland Park, Kansas, Don Benson of Waterloo, Iowa and Ted and Jane Benson of Shalimar, Florida as well as her many friends from across the US, from New Jersey to California. Thoughts and prayers are more than enough, but donations to the University of Iowa Music Department or Augustana Lutheran Church for choir music in Janice’s name are appreciated. Services will be held on Saturday morning, December 6th at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Daniel Solomon officiating. Interment will be in the Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone. Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the family present during that time to greet friends. Visitations will continue at the Augustana Lutheran Church on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.