Janice Brehmer

Janice Brehmer, 92, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Janice Lorraine was born October 15, 1933, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Maurice Gail and Nellie Mae (Howard) Prall. She grew up with her brother, Jack, who was four years older, on a farm southeast of Atlantic. One of her favorite memories from her childhood was the countless hours she spent exploring the timber and her not so favorite was the long walks to the bus in snow that was above the fence lines. Her brother died in October of 1948, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Janice graduated from Atlantic High School in the Class of 1951.

Following graduation, she worked a short time at what is now known as the Department of Human Services before taking a position at the Cass County Sheriff’s Office in 1959. Janice started just doing the book work but was later promoted to a civil deputy that added transporting prisoners, when needed, to her daily tasks. She served under five different Sheriffs and retired in 2001, after 42 years of service.

On July 7, 1973, she was united in marriage to Burdette “Bud” G. Brehmer. The couple enjoyed traveling prior to Bud’s unexpected death in March of 1981. Janice often saying, “We didn’t have enough time.”

Janice was a member of the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, volunteering her time to help count and deposit the offering and always made sure the candy dish was full. She was also a member of the B.P.O. Does, Drove #23. Janice generously gave her time to the food pantry and the Cass Health Auxiliary, most recently being the face that greeted you in the gift shop. She loved the chance she had to “yak” (Janice’s words) with whoever she was working with or those that stopped in.

Janice tended her garden into her early 90’s. Quieter moments were spent knitting baby hats for the hospital and church members. She kept sharp by doing various word and number puzzles, Suduko and word jumble being favorites. No matter where Janice was, you can bet she had a piece of dark chocolate within reach.

She was an avid sports fan, a life-long Chicago Cubs fan, GO CUBS GO and recently started cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. Janice was a strong supporter and super fan for the Atlantic Trojans, attending almost every home event for any of the sports for many years. At those events everyone knew in the stands where “Janice’s spot” was.

Janice is survived by cousins and their families, Brian (Jennifer) Wagner, Lori (Roger) Andersen, Elizabeth King and Karen Lillie; step-daughters, Deborah Christensen and Julie Schroeder; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; beloved best friend, Chris Bennett and her family; and her United Church of Christ family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gail and Nellie Prall; husband, Bud Brehmer; brother, Jack Prall; step-son, Michael Brehmer; step-son-in-law, Mitch Christensen; grandson, Justin James; and cousins-in-law, Dale King and Bob Lillie.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 29th at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic. At the conclusion of the service, a special tribute will be given by the B.P.O. Does, Drove #23. A time of lunch and fellowship will be held immediately following the service. Burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Janice's service will be livestreamed at https://www.uccatlantic.org

Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ; Janice’s church family meant the world to her!

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Janice’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.