Janiece Sue Ehler

Janiece Fulghum Ehler, age 68, passed away on August 13, 2023 in Covington, Louisiana.  She was born October 12, 1954 in Mason City, Iowa to her parents Willard (Bill) and Dorothy Fulghum (Murren).  Jan and her two older siblings were raised on their family’s chicken farm on the north side of Mason City,  She was a 1973 graduate of Mason City High School, where she devoted most of her time to playing the clarinet in the band.

After graduation, Jan went on to get her LPN Degree from NIACC and married Donald Ehler in 1975.  She worked for Mercy Medical Center for several years, fostering her love of nursing in a variety of departments, and had a huge heart for helping to care for the patients she served.  After years of working for Mercy Medical Center, she furthered her medical career and became a staffing coordinator for Mercy Home Health Care, until her disability retirement in 2006, upon receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis a few years prior.  

Jan was a beloved friend, sister, mother, and above all grandmother.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved them with all her heart and nothing made her more proud.  Many times she would say, “There was nothing better than being a grandmother!”  When her family was unable to be near, she enjoyed reading, good conversations, games with friends, and especially partaking in these events with scrumptious foods.  Many of her high school friends and nursing colleagues became lifelong friends that she kept in touch with over the years.  One thing she loved the most was spending time with her close friends hashing out the “olden days.”  Jan never met a stranger, as she welcomed everyone she met with her cheerful personality.  If you happened to be out in public with her, you had better count on running into someone she knew, no matter where she was.

In 2015, Jan moved down south to escape the harsh North Iowan winters to be closer to her children and grandchildren.  For much of her remaining years she continued to battle her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, but she never let her disability impact her outlook on life, as she always maintained a positive attitude and smile on her face.  Her strong determination and optimism persevered during all the circumstances she was faced with throughout her life, and she continuously looked for ways to try and improve her condition.  This past June, she was thrilled when presented with the opportunity of an abdominal surgery that would enable her more mobility.  Unfortunately, after several weeks of recovering from the surgery in a skilled nursing facility, she suddenly passed from unknown complications. 

Jan is survived by her two daughters, Kristen Martin (Bryce), Huntsville, AL and Kaylyn Ehler (Amanda), Abita Springs, Louisiana; her sister Joanne Schumacher, Lincoln, CA, and brother David Fulghum, Clarendon, IL; six grandchildren: Saryah, Caleb, Leyton, and Addilyn Martin, and Brinley and Harper Ehler.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to support their efforts in finding a cure for this debilitating diagnosis that affects thousands.

The family will be hosting a graveside service for Jan on Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery, 11495 265th St./Hwy 122 West Mason City, IA 50401.  Anyone who would like to attend is welcome.  A celebration of life for Jan will be held afterward at a local restaurant, to be determined.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society