Obituary of Janice Segerhammar

Jan was born July 10, 1923 in Parsons, Kansas to Robert Houk and Ina May (McCoy) Houk. She was a twin and she and her twin brother, Jerry, attended elementary and high school in Parsons. Jan began studying piano when she was 8 years old and music has always been an important part of her life. When she was 13, and already an accomplished young pianist, she won a state wide piano competition in Kansas, and her father bought her a wonderful Steinway Grand, which she gave to Bethany Church a few years ago. She graduated from Bethany College in 1945 with a B.A. in Fine Arts. It was at Bethany College that Jan met Bob Segerhammar, and they were married on May 27, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Bob was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in June, 1947. Together they served churches in Loveland, Colorado, Boxholm, Iowa; Modesto, California; and Walsburg and Olsburg, Kansas until their retirement in Lindsborg, Kansas where they became members of Bethany Lutheran Church. Jan is survived by two daughter; Carol Riggs of Palm Desert, California and Sister Helena Marie (Helen) of New York; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Jerry; her husband, Bob; and her daughter, Nancy. Jan was a loving wife and mother who taught piano at every level from elementary to college to adults. She performed solos, accompanied soloists and choirs, and performed in chamber music groups. She especially enjoyed playing piano duets with Naomi Durant. She loved the music of Bach in particular, as well as the great hymns of the Lutheran faith. Jan developed a special interest in angels and lovingly shared her angel program in many churches throughout the Midwest. She also loved nature and gardening, interests she passed along to her daughters, reading a wide variety of literature, and doing puzzles of all kinds, especially crossword puzzles. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity for many years. Her fingers have been stilled and her music is silent. But her family and many friends will long remember the joy her music brought to their lives. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, November 30, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg with burial following. Memorials may be designated to the church or Bethany College in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com