Janice Clair Shogren, 86, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020 at her home.

Jan was born December 21, 1933 to Arnold and Madonna (Peters) Vollstedt in Council Bluffs, IA. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs in 1952. She attended Iowa State University before transferring to the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls receiving her teaching certificate and later receiving her Bachelor's degree in Education.

After receiving her teaching certificate Jan taught in rural communities across Iowa. She married Jack Nielsen in 1956 in Council Bluffs. To this union three children were born, prior to going their separate ways. In 1967 Jan married Kenneth Shogren in Belle Plaine. To this union one child was born before going their separate ways. Jan made Belle Plaine her home raising her children and teaching elementary school for 30 years, retiring in 1997.

Jan had a knack for connecting with children and had a lasting impact on many students over her 40-year teaching career. She valued her family and friends greatly. She loved to read, write poetry, play rummy, fish, and care for animals.

She is survived by her children, Kera (Scott) Holm of Fresno, CA, Kristopher (Diane) Shogren of Hitchcock, TX, Kiva Shogren of Oxford, and Kasi Shogren of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Miles, Kyle, Kelsey, Kody, Konner, Hailey, Sydney, Summer, Clair and Hedy; great-grandchildren, Victoria Grace.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Celebration of Life is 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the Belle Plaine Community Center. Jan chose to donate her body to science so that she could continue to be a part of education even after life. In Jan's honor, friends may make a donation to Safe Haven of Iowa County Animal Rescue, 2783 Hwy. 6 Trail, South Amana, IA. 52334. Online condolences can be sent to www.neuhausfuneralservice.com