Janet L. Witt, 72, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Pinnacle Specialty Care. She was born in Atlantic, Iowa, on June 30, 1953, the daughter of Edward and Pauline (Wachter) Mertes. Janet loved growing up on the farm with her loving parents and sister, Kathy. She attended Adair-Casey Community Schools and continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree. While a student at UNI, Janet met Richard "Rick" Witt and soon started dating. On August 3, 1974, Janet and Rick were married in Adair, Iowa, and were blessed with two children, Angie and Brian.

Janet worked at UNI for 32 years. She especially enjoyed her years at the Graduate College working as the Thesis and Dissertation Reviewer. She retired in 2018 and spent the winters with Rick in San Antonio. Janet was a charter member of the Prairie Rose Chapter of Embroiderers Guild of America and served as President and Secretary for many years. She supported Rick with his love of tractors by volunteering and being a proud member of Antique Acres. She was also an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo, and served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister, as well as volunteering with the church Garage Sale Committee. She loved spending time volunteering at church with her friends.

Whether sewing, cross-stitching, or canvas stitching, Janet had a talent for needlework. Her beautiful artwork can be found displayed throughout their home. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, and baking. Janet loved to travel with Rick and her family. She especially enjoyed spending holidays and special events with family and extended family. She believed in finding joy in each day, slowing down and taking in every moment while also never taking her blessings for granted.

Janet is survived by her husband of 51 years, Rick Witt of Cedar Falls; two children, Angie (Phil) Rooney of Wichita Falls, TX, and Brian Witt of Fisher, IN; five grandchildren, Jacob and Jessilyn Rooney, and Kayleigh, Avery and Charles Witt; and many cousins, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Emma Mertes, and Frank and Anna Wachter; parents, Edward and Pauline Mertes; and two sisters, Mary Mertes, in infancy, and Kathy Mertes.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Dahl-Van Hove Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, with a Vigil Service at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am, Friday, February 6, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Waterloo, with visitation an hour prior. The committal service will immediately follow Mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Janet's memory to the American Cancer Society . Visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.