In Memory ~ Ashby, Jan

Jan E. Ashby, age 79 of Prairie du Chien passed away Friday, March 17, 2023 at Garden View Place in Monona, IA surrounded by his family. He was born in Alliance, NE on January 13, 1944, the son of Dennis and Ada (Lemburg) Ashby. He grew up in Alliance and graduated from Alliance High School with the class of 1961. He then attended Chadron State College for 2 years before enrolling at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 3 years to obtain Bachelor of Science in pharmacy.  In the summer of 1966 he moved to the Cedar Rapids area and was employed by May’s Drug Store in Marion, IA. While working there, he met his future wife, Nancy Frajman. Jan was drafted into the army in January of 1968, and was sent to serve at MacDonald Army Hospital pharmacy at Ft. Eustis in Newport News VA. Jan and Nancy were married on September 28, 1968, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marion, IA, and to this union, two daughters were born. In early 1969, Jan was sent to Korea to Camp Nabors, a MASH unit on the DMZ. Upon his discharge, he returned to Cedar Rapids and  resumed work at May’s Drug Store before moving  his family to Prairie du Chien in 1975. Jan  worked at Himrich’s Rexall Drug Store in Prairie du Chien for 3 years, then purchased the store. He owned and operated Himrich’s Rexall Drug Store for 27 years until the store was purchased by Hartig Drug  in 2006. He worked at Hartig Drug Store until retirement in 2010. Jan was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, golf, and hunt pheasant, deer, and duck. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Nancy; their two daughters, Deanna Ashby and Jill  Morken;; his grandchildren Isabelle, Collin, and Madeline Morken; his brother Ronald (Mary) Ashby of Carrollton, TX and his niece and nephew  John Ashby and Lisa (Don) Norris,  and sister-in-law  Mary Jane Erbe of Marion, IA, niece and nephew Vanessa(Wayne)Brehm and Greg Christina) Erbe.. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials will go to local programs for Alzheimers and other dementias in this area.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, March 31, 2023, at 1:30 P.M. at the Garrity Funeral Home Chapel, Msgr. Charles Stoetzel officiating with inurnment in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. Military honors will be accorded graveside by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard. www.garrityfuneralhome.com
 

Information in our 50th Reunion Booklet:

Ashby, Jan

Spouse ~ Nancy

318 South Beaumont Road, Prairie du Chien, WI  53821

608-326-2032

jancy44@centurytel.net     

C ~ Two daughters (one in Iowa, one in Minnesota)

G ~ Three

Moved to Prairie du Chien WI from Cedar Rapids IA in September, 1975, at which time I worked for, then purchased, Himrich’s Drug.  I sold the store in 2007, continued to work for three years and retired in September, 2010.  Life is good!  Both Nancy and I spend our free time golfing and enjoying the grandchildren.  My mother is in the nursing home in Alliance and we will be returning in June for a visit with her as well as meeting my brother Ron in Alliance, thus probably missing any chance to join in at the Class Reunion unless our time schedule changes between now and then.

Comments found on Jan's obituary page:

Jan will be missed by me and his Tucson friends. Jan was always ready with a smile and morning greeting, specially at the golf course. Condolences and sympathy to his family and Wisconsin friends.

RIP to the best brother in law a woman could have. I remember when he took on their house on Beaumont Rd. That was a job and it turned out so beautiful! So many memories over so many years.  St Peter's got your clubs all shined up and ready for spring.  Godspeed Uncle Jan!

Jan was a Great Guy and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. He always had a sly smile on his face like he knew the punchline to the next joke that was coming. He provided for his family and was a well respected businessman in Prarie Du Chien.       I will never forget him “finding” mysterious Christmas gifts under the Tree with his name on them. “How did Santa know I wanted an ACME 14” table saw reciprocating action blade??”       Terrific Stuff Jan !     
Watching him at holidays he was the model of calm, cool and collected. I never saw Jan angry or raise his voice, (even when I ran over his foot with a boat and trailer..) he was a grandchild whisperer and the kids adored Jan. He was a Grandpa that loved playing “Lions” and any other game the grandkids dreamed up.     Jan was fun to golf with, but even More fun in the clubhouse after the round !

Always so kind and helpful in his business and as a pharmacist. You were always greeted with a wonderful smile. Deepest condolences to the family.

Having golfed with the guy, it was always a delight….duffer shots…it didn’t matter….he enjoyed the game and the people he was with…

From all the guys at Sunflower Men’s Golf Club, our deepest condolences to Nancy and their family. I remember Jan for his smile, wit, and that he was always, not just a gentleman, but also a gentle man, kind to everyone.

Mike and Jan first met when they were in pharmacy school together at the University of Nebraska and have remained best buddies ever since. We will always cherish the many happy memories we have shared with Jan, Nancy and the girls. Remembering the wild fishing trips, the times golfing, Battle Lake, the trips to East Dubuque, winters in Tucson or just enjoying great conversations over a Summer Shanty All so very special! Sending our love and prayers.

Phil and I have been friends with Nancy and Jan for over 50 yrs. We were close friends and neighbors and our children grew up together. We will always think of Jan as a great friend, kind, loving husband and a great daddy. He had a quirky sense of humor, loved him dearly. We send our love to Nancy, Jill and Deanna.