Janette “Jan” Pestka, a devoted mother and beloved grandmother from Wilton, passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the age of 75. Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are scheduled at this time.
Jan was born on Dec. 31, 1948, in Blytheville, Ark., to Hazel Price, but later adopted by her maternal grandparents, Alfred and Sally (Dollar) Price. Jan was raised and attended school in Rockford, Ill. She married Roy Pestka in July 1973, and they shared 48 years of marriage before later divorcing. Roy was still involved in helping Jan with her appointments.
Together, they raised their family while Jan worked tirelessly, balancing her career in the restaurant industry; first as a waitress at Tick Tock Restaurant in Davenport and later at White Way Restaurant in Durant. She also managed the Creamery in Durant for many years and eventually owned and operated the Midway Restaurant in Bennett, where she made many lifelong friendships.
Jan was known for her love of cleaning as her house was always immaculate. Jan also had a passion for flower gardening and took pride in caring for her yard. In her younger years, she enjoyed reading and sunbathing. Her work ethic was matched only by her love for her family, and she took great pride in nurturing her children and grandchildren.
Jan will be dearly missed by her three children, Jeffrey Pestka of Lincoln, Neb., Jason Pestka of Long Grove, and Courtney Pestka-Kraklio of Walcott; nine grandchildren, Dustyn (Amanda Zysset) Alfredson, Dylan Alfredson, Savannah Alfredson, Boston Alfredson, Amy Pestka, Natalie Pestka, Jessica Pestka, Josh Pestka and Abigael Pestka Kraklio; four great-grandchildren, Reid, Landon, Lennyx and Esme; siblings, Dee, LaVerne, Opal, Frankie, Carolyn, and Betty. Jan also shared unique relationships with her former son and daughters-in-law, Corey, Sheri, Julie, and Lisa.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Walt Sturms; one son, John Alfredson; siblings, Anna Lynn, Richard, and Reedy; brother-in-law, Henry Gregg; and nephew, Junior Gregg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to http://givetoiowa.org/ARC in her memory. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
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