Janet Bielfeldt

Janet Natalie Bielfeldt was born on October 26, 1953, the daughter of Norman and Marilyn (Schultz) Kuehl in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed her faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. She attended Lutheran school in Charter Oak and graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School with the class of 1971. Janet attended beauty school in St. Joseph, Missouri, and later completed her Iowa licensing requirements at Stewart’s in Sioux City. After returning to the local area, she worked at Blossom’s before opening her own business, Janet’s Hair Fashions, in Denison.

On July 29, 1995, Janet married James Bielfeldt at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. The couple settled south of Arion, where Janet left her career at the hair salon to work alongside her husband on the farm. She quickly embraced farm life, operating various types of equipment, including semis, combines, and tractors, while also tending to their cattle. Together, they formed a hardworking and dedicated team, thoroughly enjoying their time together. In their 50s, they began reflecting on their legacy and recognized that something important was missing from their lives. In search of this missing piece, they traveled to Russia, where they adopted two daughters, Valeria in 2005 and Maria in 2007, and raised them with love and devotion.

Janet was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison and later Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City. She was actively involved in the Altar Guild and held various roles within the Evening Guild. Janet loved helping others behind the scenes, always motivated by a desire to bring happiness to others without seeking credit or recognition. While it often took some convincing, she and James enjoyed attending baseball games and traveling to destinations such as Russia, the Bahamas, California, and many other places. She will be especially remembered for her exceptional baking, particularly her angel food cake, pies, and cream puffs. The couple could often be found enjoying breakfast at the Denison Sale Barn or attending a good household sale. Janet was also a devoted animal lover, and her kitties and dogs brought great joy to her life. Above all, she treasured creating lasting memories with her husband, daughters, and other family members and friends.

Janet passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison at the age of 71 years, four months and 12 days after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, John and Dorothy Bielfeldt.

Janet is survived by her husband of 29 years, James Bielfeldt of Arion; two daughters: Valeria Catherine Bielfeldt of Fort Dodge and Maria Joy Bielfeldt of Des Moines; grandchildren: Abel, Axel and Mariana; brother, Wayne (Cecelia) Kuehl of Mill Creek, Washington; sister-in-law, Lynn (Jerry) Ebert of Washta; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City. Interment will follow in the Dow City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Mission Central in Mapleton.