Jane Lenahan was born on March 8th, 1953 in Storm Lake, IA to Robert and Elma (Wittrock) Lenahan. She grew-up on the family farm south of Newell, and graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Fonda, IA in 1971.
Jane spent her first two college years at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, KS studying art and graduated from Iowa State University in 1975 with a degree in applied science.
Jane retired from Iowa State University in May 2019 after 37 years as a graphic specialist. She was a well-respected and sought-after professional known for her attention to detail and commitment to perfection.
Jane passed away at Israel Family House Hospice in Ames at age 67 on March 14, 2020 after diagnoses of liver and pancreatic cancer in March 2019.
Left to celebrate her life are her sister, Marge (Paul) Fitzgerald of Forest City, IA; her twin brother, James Lenahan, of Minneapolis, MN; her youngest brother, Patrick (Brigitte) of Boulder, CO; her nieces, Cindy Fitzgerald of Cedar Falls, IA and Susan (David) Watson of Minneapolis, MN; nephew, Chris Fitzgerald of Green Bay, WI; great nephew, Ethan Watson of Minneapolis, MN; and long-time companion, Frank Keis of the St. Louis area.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, and her older brothers, John and Robert.
Special thanks to Patrick Lenahan, Jane's caregiver; the caring staff at Israel Family Home Hospice; the kind friends, colleagues, and relatives who visited Jane or sent cards; and the wonderful cats Jane had in her life over the years: Lovee, Stripee, Max, Lissa, Blossom, Keysa, Bart, and Grace.
It was Jane's wish there be no funeral. A private interment will be held for the immediate family at a later date.
Jane was known for her artistic talent, compassion, kindness, generosity, sense of humor, her love of animals but especially cats, her loyalty to her friends and family, and wonderful laugh.
Donations can be made in Jane's name to causes that were important to her: Animal Lifeline of Iowa, P.O. Box 12, Carlisle, IA 50047; Planned Parenthood - Ames Health Center, 2530 Chamberlain St., Ames, IA 50014; Israel Family Home Hospice, 400 S. Dakota Ave., Ames, IA 50014.
Cards can be sent to the Lenahan Family at 4625 Nicollet Ave., Unit 1, Minneapolis, MN 55414-5550.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.