Janet Irene VanDam

Janet Irene Ehlers VanDam, 81, of Moline, completed her life journey Sunday, December 27, 2020 at home.

Private family services will be held. A livestream service will be available on December 30, 2020 at 10:00 am at www.esterdahl.com.  Janet will be laid to rest with her beloved Bob at Moline Memorial Park.

Janet was born on November 8, 1939 in New Boston, the daughter of Lloyd and Leona (King) Willits. She married Robert Ehlers on September 23, 1961. Janet and Bob raised three children and enjoyed many years of happy memories until his death in 1985. Janet was lucky to find love again with Richard VanDam, and they were married on August 19, 1989 until his death in 2007. Janet worked at the Rock Island Arsenal as an accountant for 25 years, retiring in March of 2005. She enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles and the comfort of home. She loved her family very much, which was apparent in the active role she played in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Janet was involved in the PTA when raising her children and enjoyed celebrating their successes in life. Janet was a coveted babysitter, beloved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always welcomed a trip to Grandma Janet’s house. Janet was one of a kind; reliable, kind-hearted and unflinchingly honest.

Survivors include her children Anjanette (Marcos) Hernandez and Scott (Mary) Ehlers; grandchildren, Adrienne Waeyaert (Cody Ogburn), Andrew (Abbey) Waeyaert, Elly (Dallas) DeVrieze, Emmy Ehlers, Becca Ehlers, Scott Ehlers, Nicholas Hernandez, and Robert Hernandez; great-grandchildren, Ivan, Aniah, Avery, Kennedy and Lincoln; siblings, Lloyd Willits, Jake (Suzanne) Willits, Andy Willits (Jim White), and Drucilla (Don) Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brother, Marion Willits; daughter, Kristen Arevalo and granddaughter, Erin Waeyaert.

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.