Janet Marie Reiter

Janet Marie Reiter, 66, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by the people she loved most. 

Born in Des Moines on September 7, 1958, to Thomas and Mary Flanagan, Janet was the beloved, only daughter in a household of four children. She spent part of her youth in Kansas City before returning to the Des Moines area, where she graduated from Johnston High School in 1975. 

In 1985, Janet met her soulmate, Randy Reiter, on a blind date at Denny Arthur’s — and from that moment, the rest was history. They married not long after and began their adventure together, welcoming their daughter Jenna in 1988 and son Michael in 1996. In 2000, they settled into their forever home in Johnston, where they built a life full of love, laughter, and countless memories. 

Professionally, Janet worked in the insurance industry and was a loyal, dedicated employee who spent 16 years at Continental Western Group and another 23 at Farm Bureau Financial Services, where she retired in the year 2022. 

Janet had a true love for bringing things to life. Whether it was the flowers in her garden or the joy in her grandchildren’s faces. She was a proud runner, lacing up for countless long-distance runs across the Midwest. A lover of all things nostalgic, she had a soft spot for “I Love Lucy” reruns, vintage treasures, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She found joy in antiquing, traveling, and dancing at live concerts. Janet also had a gift for making every holiday special, especially the Christmas season, when she could spoil the thing she cherished most of all—her grandchildren. She was a loyal friend to all, deeply spiritual, and full of grace. Her love for her family and God was above all else. 

Janet is survived by her husband Randy Reiter of Johnston; daughter Jenna (Scott) Hoffman of Beaverdale; son Michael (Paige) Reiter of Johnston; and her six grandchildren: Harrison, Henry, Hayes, and Lucille Hoffman, and Miles and Liam Reiter. She is also survived by her brother Mark (Toni) Flanagan of Chicago; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss her endlessly. 

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Thomas and Mary Flanagan; and her brothers, Gary and Gale Flanagan. 

A celebration of Janet’s life will take place Friday, May 16th, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverdale (2926 Beaver Ave), with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held later at Saint John’s Cemetery in Cumming, Iowa. 

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tom Buroker and the staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center, the compassionate nurses on Powell 3 Oncology, and every friend and loved one who walked beside Janet during her courageous journey with breast cancer. 

In the words of her favorite Irish blessing: “May the road rise to meet you, and the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you gently in the palm of His hand.” 

Until we meet again, Mom.