She was born on May 21, 1950, and graduated from Lyndon High School. She was a retired administrative professional from Wipfli CPAs (formerly LCV) in Sterling, and she was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bulls, the Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley. Janis married the love of her life, Chris Erikson, on September 4, 1971, in Prophetstown, and they loved each other for nearly 60 years. Janis’ world revolved around her family, especially her three daughters, Tina, Tara, and Trisha, and her grandchildren, Austin Clemens, Chloe Clemens, Audrey Anderson, Ellie Anderson, and Samuel Semenchuk. She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family.
Survivors include her husband Chris, daughters Tina (Scott) Anderson of South Beloit, IL, Tara (Erik) Semenchuk of Machesney Park, IL, her five grandchildren, a brother, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her daughter Trisha Clemens just five weeks ago, as well as her parents Roland and Verna Sawyer, in-laws Orville and Virginia Erikson, and brother Ron Sawyer.
Cremation rights will be handled by McDonald Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be held at McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling on Friday, May 15th, from 4-5:30 with a memorial service at 5:30. Private burial will be held at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
