Linn County News
Published January 10, 2024
Janice E. Wurtz, a radiant soul and retired special education teacher, transitioned peacefully from this life on Jan. 3, 2024, leaving a profound impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her departure marks the end of a life devoted to teaching, the joy of music, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Janice dedicated her professional life to the field of special education. Her classroom was a sanctuary of acceptance and understanding, where she and a team of paraprofessionals tirelessly worked to empower students with diverse needs. Janice believed in the transformative power of education and instilled in her students the confidence to navigate the world with resilience and grace.
Beyond the classroom, Janice was a passionate music lover. She sang in the choir at Mound City UMC and played the organ and piano for services there for many years. Janice also enjoyed playing the cello in the Fort Scott- Iola Community Orchestra. Whether playing an instrument, attending concerts, or simply sharing the beauty of a well-composed piece, Janice found joy and connection in the world of music.
Family was at the heart of Janice’s world. Her love for Richard, children and grandchildren, and extended family was unwavering. She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the enduring bonds that only a family-focused person could cultivate. Janice cherished moments spent together, recognizing that family was an important part of life.
Janice Elizabeth Holt was born on Sept. 23, 1939, in Dodge City, Kan., to William and Rosa Hubman Holt. She graduated from Dodge City High School in 1957. Janice was a 1961 graduate of the University of Kansas with her B.A. in Music Therapy. She met Richard Wurtz at KU and they were married at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dodge City on August 12, 1961. They are the parents of Melissa Wurtz, Joseph Wurtz and Christopher Wurtz. Janice earned her Masters in Education in Special Education at Saint Louis University. Janice worked in the special ed classroom in St. Louis for several years while helping raise their young children. In 1973, the family moved to Mound City, Kansas and Janice taught in the Jayhawk Linn School District until she retired in June 2001.
Janice lived in Mound City then moved to the Residencies in Pleasanton around 2015 and then the Horton House in Fort Scott in 2018.
Survivors include: children Melissa Wurtz, Shawnee, KS, and Christopher Wurtz, Mound City, KS, granddaughters, Tristian Wurtz Smith (Brandon), Mound City, and Jenae Daniels (Adam), Mound City. Janice leaves 2 great-grandchildren, Hadlee Daniels and Raylee Daniels. She has one sister, Marilyn A.Bader, St. Paul, Nebraska. Janice was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Richard; her son, Nick Wurtz (2022); her son-in-law, Paul Helmuth (2021);her parents and two brothers, Robert A. Holt and William L. Holt and sister-in-law, Soon In Holt.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at the Mound City United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at the Mound City United Methodist Church. The family kindly requests donations be made to the Mound City United Methodist Church or Concern, Inc – a Mound City food pantry and assistance organization. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com
OBITUARIES
Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025

Linn County News Published June 4, 2025 Gary Ray Johnson, age 90 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on May 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Kan. Visitation... [More]
Rees Lyle Shattuck ~ 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025

Linn County News Published May 28, 2025 Rees Lyle Shattuck, age 93, Prescott, Kan., passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born on Aug. 31, 1931, in Boicourt, Kan., the son of Rees Wilbur and Lulu Elizabeth Black Shattuck. He served his country in the United... [More]
Wayne Eldon Long ~ 07-03-1942 to 05-24-2025

Linn County News Published May 28, 2025 Wayne Eldon Long, age 82, of Parker, Kan., passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Wayne was born on July 3, 1942, in Garnett, Kan., the son of Homer Leon and Margaret Ethel (Collins) Long. He was one of three children and... [More]
More Obituaries
- John Ted Miles ~ 01-29-1960 to 05-01-2025
- Zachary Eldon White ~ 06-12-1992 to 04-29-2025
- Rebecca S. Landers 12-30-1964 to 04-18-2025
- Ira Johnathan “Sonny” Robinson ~ 04-10-1944 to 04-26-2025
- Paul Dean Benham ~ 09-23-1944 to 04-26-2025
- Bonnie Faye Bishop ~ 03-25-1949 to 04-22-2025
- Lois A. Murray ~ 11-03-1931 to 04-20-2025
- Dr. Howard F. Wilson ~ 02-05-1938 to 04-20-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: Commission to vote Monday on Parker Center lease

Linn County commissioners plan to vote at their weekly 9 a.m. meeting next Monday, June 2, on a 99-year lease agreement with Parker and their Senior Center building. At Tuesday's weekly Commission meeting, delayed by a day because of Monday's federal Memorial Day observance,... [More]
Despite Chamber loss, Blast in the Park fireworks will go off

Council actions include split vote on deed conveyance Hearing of the disbandment of its local Chamber of Commerce, La Cygne leaders have verbally concurred that the city’s part in the annual Blast in the Park festivities will go on. Following that Chamber notification... [More]
Linn Valley discusses city hall funding sources

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present. Donelson informed the council of two potential opportunities for funding a new City Hall building. ... [More]
More News
- USD 362 board rejects adding bus A/C
- SPECIAL: Blue Mound man seriously injured in accident
- Commissioners make official statement on Tanglewood roads
- La Cygne okays local police firing range
- Mound City council adopts rules for camping
- LCSO releases statement on incident
- Pleasanton requests 1-year automatic aid fire extension
- Commissioners hear update, discuss aid agreement for Pleasanton FD
SPORTS
Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to West Franklin on May 22 to compete in the 3A Regional. As a team the girls placed 10th with a score of 22.5 points while the boys were fifth with 56 points. This year the top three places in each event qualify for the State meet then... [More]
School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka

The Pleasanton track team traveled to Eureka on May 22 for a 2A Regional track meet. This year the top three places advance to the State meet along the top four times/distances not from the top three from all other Regionals. This year the Jays qualified eight athletes in seven... [More]
More Sports
- Lady Hawks win league as Hawks host TRL meet
- Pleasanton track sets school records at Pioneer League track meet
- Prairie View track sets meet and league records at Wellsville
- Pleasanton baseball splits against Jayhawk
- Prairie View softball defeats Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk baseball earns win over Pleasanton
- Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational
- Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

