Obituary for Janice LeAnn Kirkham
Janice LeAnn Kirkham (Austensen) 85, passed away on May 16th, 2019. She was born June 8, 1933 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Ivan and Edith Austensen. She graduated with the Lakeview High School class of 1951.
Janice married the “love of her life” Burton K. Kirkham in August of 1951; he sadly preceded her in death on May 2, 1994.
Right after graduation Janice worked for Wolverine Insurance. She continued to work and model for Gilmore's Dept. Store and Jacobsen's for many years. She and her husband, Burt owned and operated The Spa Steak House here in Battle Creek until closing in 1983. Janice then went to work at Golden Ave. Law Offices, J.C. Penney's and her job at Meijer up to the age of 83.
Janice was a 60 year Member of Beta Sigma Phi and a member of First Congregational Church. She enjoyed reading, cross stitch; she loved animals, to be outside, and in her early years; camping with family, especially in Mackinaw City, and Skiing in Colorado.
She is survived by her children all of Battle Creek; Charles (Donna) Kirkham, Brian (Diane) Kirkham, Kimberly (Stephen) Morse, and Michelle Demaso. 24 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren and one more on the way. Janice was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother; Gerald Austensen, her sister; Beverly Beebe and her granddaughter Kristine Suedmeyer.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 W. DIckman Road on Friday, May24, 2019 from 12:30-2. Immediately following there will be a private family interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Binder Park Zoo or the Humane Society of S. Central Michigan in Battle Creek.
Janice married the “love of her life” Burton K. Kirkham in August of 1951; he sadly preceded her in death on May 2, 1994.
Right after graduation Janice worked for Wolverine Insurance. She continued to work and model for Gilmore's Dept. Store and Jacobsen's for many years. She and her husband, Burt owned and operated The Spa Steak House here in Battle Creek until closing in 1983. Janice then went to work at Golden Ave. Law Offices, J.C. Penney's and her job at Meijer up to the age of 83.
Janice was a 60 year Member of Beta Sigma Phi and a member of First Congregational Church. She enjoyed reading, cross stitch; she loved animals, to be outside, and in her early years; camping with family, especially in Mackinaw City, and Skiing in Colorado.
She is survived by her children all of Battle Creek; Charles (Donna) Kirkham, Brian (Diane) Kirkham, Kimberly (Stephen) Morse, and Michelle Demaso. 24 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren and one more on the way. Janice was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother; Gerald Austensen, her sister; Beverly Beebe and her granddaughter Kristine Suedmeyer.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 W. DIckman Road on Friday, May24, 2019 from 12:30-2. Immediately following there will be a private family interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Binder Park Zoo or the Humane Society of S. Central Michigan in Battle Creek.