Janine Marie Weeks

Janine Marie Weeks, 70, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness. 

Janine “Jan” was born on March 29, 1954, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to John “Jack” and Mary Ann (Werner) Longnecker. Later after moving to Carroll, Iowa, she attended Kuemper Catholic High School where she developed a talent for playing drums and percussion. She participated in the high school marching band, often annoying her brothers and sisters while practicing on her drums in the basement. 

She later moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she attended Kirkwood Community College. She married in October 1974 and had two beautiful children, Jason and Jill. She then became a data entry clerk at Western Fraternal Life Assoc. “WFLA”, working for 19 years. She later divorced and found a new love in Cornerstone Church and became a member there. She derived great satisfaction from her contributions as the percussionist in weekly services as well as her bible study groups and outings with church friends.

She owned a unique collection of thimbles and bells that she sought out on her travels with family and friends. She enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and word searches in her leisure time. She took pleasure in coloring alongside her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. They loved their time with Grandma NeeNee. She adored and cared for her two cats, Jinx and Juno, and her grandpup Joey. She had a fondness for candy, particularly Whoppers and See’s Candies Toffee-ettes she received from work every Christmas. This love of See’s Candies would be passed down to her children. 

Janine was the most caring and devoted mother, always putting others before herself. She would drop everything to help someone in need, and her life revolved around raising and loving her two children, Jason and Jill. Her unwavering support, patience, warmth, and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Left to cherish Janine’s memory include her children, Jason (LeAnna) Weeks, Jill (Cory) Okken; grandchildren, Kadence, Jack, Kiernan, and Emma; siblings, Mary (Scott) Cawley and Ted (Georgette) Longnecker; niece, Alena Longnecker; nephew, Ryan Cawley; brother-in-law, Dave Rupiper who will forever cherish the love and wisdom she shared.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Dan Longnecker, sister, Carol Rupiper.

A prayer service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church (925 Blairs Ferry Rd, Marion, IA 52302); visitation will follow from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the church. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cornerstone Church in her memory.

Her love, kindness, and selfless spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.