Janet “Jan” Marie Ockaskis, age 82 of Lowell, went to her eternal home Thursday, December 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband Steve Ockaskis; parents, Dorothy and Harold Jensen; sisters, Bonnie Earnest, Sue Harrington; and sister-in-law, Linda Sawyer. Jan is survived by her children; Todd (Kathy) Ockaskis, Theresa Ockaskis, Tonja (Todd) Bogema; grandchildren, Alec and Anna Ockaskis, Brenden (Olivia) Bogema, Mitchell Bogema; brother, Jim (Debi) Jensen; sisters-in-law, Pat (Jim) Brooks, Dorothy Hill; and many nieces and nephews. Jan attended Muskegon Community College and went on to earn her master’s degree from Western Michigan University. While she was a professor at Grand Valley State University, Jan earned her CPA. Following teaching at GVSU, she became a QuickBooks consultant helping local small businesses. Jan was one of the founding members of Impact Church. She enjoyed animals, reading, sewing, boating, water skiing, music, dancing, and going on cruises. Jan knew no strangers and loved meeting new people. She was known for her enthusiasm for life and her spunky personality. Jan felt the love of her family surrounding her before passing peacefully.
You are welcome to honor her life with family from 6-8pm on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson Lowell, MI 49331. Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Impact Church, 11840 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331, with visitation one hour prior. Memorial Contributions can be made to Impact Church, 11840 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331.
6 Responses
Jan was a wonderful person she took me under her wing and taught me alot on how to open my heart up to Jesus
She would not expect no from me on going to women’s retreats I had to learn to say no and she had to learn to say yes she was a very dear friend love her heart for Jesus rest in peace my friend
Our sympathies are with your families. Aunt Jan always welcomed me with a smile, and I have very fond memories of both her and Uncle Steve.❤️
I’m saddened by your mother’s passing. I haven’t seen her for a few years but she was in my thoughts often. We had many fun times on cruises and at her get togethers at the lake. She always had such a generous heart and opened her home to many.
She will be missed.
Jan was a special lady and I have many fond memories of her over the years on Murray Lake and Impact church. She had a unique sense of humor and I loved picking on her and hearing her laugh. She was my book keeper for many years and could always count on her for advice and a laugh. Rest in peace Jan and we will see you again!🙏
Jan was such a special lady. I just loved her zest for life! I met her when we started at Impact Church. Jan was always so positive and uplifting. Her enthusiasm was contagious! She took me under her wing and taught me Quickbooks which I have used in my career for the last 20 years. I still have the yellow ruler. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing, but I know we will meet again in Heaven.
Jan was a wonderful neighbor on Murray Lake. She was the first to welcome us when we moved to the lake in 2008. I’d see her front and center at Impact Church when I would worship with my daughter and family. I have had the opportunity to get to know her daughter Tonja who is now a neighbor at the lake too. Jan will be missed and was loved by many.