Janice Leutscher

Although the life of Janice Leutscher was filled with countless enriching experiences, it was sharing these adventures with her family and friends that made them truly priceless. She was kindhearted and generous, loving and ever mindful of others, which are just a few of the things that made her so special. With the love of her life by her side for 50 years, Jan was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include branches of loved ones who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She was intentional in the way she spent the days she was given, her faith the compass she used to direct her path. Life will never be the same without Jan here, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of the world were focused overseas as WWII covered much of Europe. Countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in the fighting while back home there were victory gardens, rationing on common goods, and manufacturing that was focused on supporting the war effort. Nestled within this eventful time was the year 1942 that was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl. Janice Kay was the second of four children born to her parents, Glenn and Evelyn (Taylor) Proctor, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older sister, Judy, and her younger brothers, Jim and Jon. Her father owned and drove a milk tanker while her mother was a teacher. For the most part Jan experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of her generation. She and her sister were rather competitive, but she and her siblings did also enjoy playing games with the other neighborhood kids and just hanging out. Janice looked forward to trips up to the Upper Peninsula with her family where they always had a ton of fun. She was a student at local schools, and while at North Muskegon High School she played in the band. After graduating from high school in 1960, Jan attended Hackley School of Nursing for one year. Life was forever changed for Jan when she met the young man of her dreams at a party with some friends. His name was Ronald Arthur Leutscher, and they hit it off right away. They started talking that night and a dating relationship ensued. With a desire to establish a life together Jan and Ron were united in marriage on March 28, 1964. Together Janice and Ron welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Todd in 1966 and Trevor in 1967. They raised their children in North Muskegon, and Janice also worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Eric Sesselman until retiring in 2004. She truly loved her work, but spending time as a family was also of the utmost importance. Jan enjoyed cooking and made home cooked meals for everyone to enjoy around the dinner table. She also made a point of going to her childrens various sporting events. Jan enjoyed the hustle and bustle of everyday life. She and Ron loved spending time camping during the summers and on holidays at the cabin on the Pere Marquette River. They also spent time during the summer at the FOP Lodge in Twin Lake. As her children grew older Janice still loved cooking for her family, and she was more than happy to have everyone over. She golfed, bowled, and also played pogo games, knitted, did puzzles, enjoyed reading, and liked baking. Among her closest friends were Barb Schutter, Peggy Meier, and Karen Kuney as well as her bowling friends and golfing friends. Jan was a longtime member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church, too. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs. Jan was also an avid Detroit Tigers fan. After retiring, Jan and Ron traveled more extensively, which also gave them more time to spend with one another. Their travels took them to places such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Aruba, the Upper Peninsula, and Traverse City. Janice loved waterfalls, however, the waterfalls in Costa Rica were not too fond of her as her swimsuit came down in the waterfall! All who knew Janice Leutscher would agree that she was such a blessing in their lives. She was gentle and genuine with an approachable demeanor that drew others near with ease. Jan was a loving wife, nurturing mother, and loyal friend who loved nothing more than sharing her days alongside the ones she treasured most. She leaves behind a legacy that is firmly rooted in faith, family, and unconditional love that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. Janice K. "Jan" Leutscher died on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Jans family includes her husband, Ronald; sons, Todd Leutscher of Muskegon (Gina, Samantha and Spencer), Dr. Trevor Leutscher Phd. of VA; sister, Judy Proctor of Muskegon; brothers, Jim Proctor of FL, Jon (Beth) Proctor of Muskegon; brother & sister-in-law, Bill & Sandy Leutscher of Mason. Jan was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2014, 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Bethany Christian Reformed Church. Memorials can be made to Harbor Hospice or ALS Association West Michigan. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.