Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23

Janice Lynne Kottke passed into the welcoming arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 7, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas, after fighting a short illness during a two-month long hospitalization. She was born on August 21, 1946, to parents Carl H. Kottke and Lillian M. Kottke in Detroit, Michigan.  Her sister Carol observed that her newborn sister looked like an "angel" when she arrived home from the hospital.  It was a fitting descriptor that would find further definition throughout Jan's earthly journey.

After graduating with honors from Southfield (Michigan) High School in 1964, Jan enrolled at Detroit's Henry Ford School of Nursing and earned credentials as a registered nurse. Elected as Class President, she was also the school's sole nominee for "1966 Michigan Nursing Student of the Year."

Jan's early experiences as a surgical nurse in Michigan were followed by a move to Texas that would change the trajectory of her career path.  Her compassionate and efficient work as Head Nurse in the Family Practice residency program at Corpus Christi's Memorial Medical Center was a natural segue into leadership posts within the organization.  In her position as Family Practice Education Coordinator, she organized learning opportunities that promoted health awareness methods for physicians, residents, staff, and patients.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Everett Holt, she accepted an administrative assignment as Director of Continuing Medical Education for the residency program.  During this time, she also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honors from Corpus Christi State University (now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi).

Jan's exceptional leadership skills were tapped by the Christus Spohn Health System where she began as Director of Primary Care and later transitioned into the Director of Occupational Medicine role.  After becoming a certified mediator, she encouraged all employees in her charge to do the same. At Spohn, she was directly involved from the blueprint up in building clinics around the greater Corpus Christi region.  Placing a tropical fish tank in the clinic waiting rooms was her special hallmark. The capstone of her career was as Outpatient Clinic Administrator for Driscoll Children's Hospital, a post she held for sixteen years until her retirement.

Jan loved her Christian faith.  Her relationship with God and her church was a very precious part of her life. She made daily efforts to demonstrate God's grace by showing love and caring for the people in her life.   During the early years of her residence in Corpus Christi, she attended South Shore Christian Church.  In recent decades, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, sharing online video presentations during the COVID shut down. As a Stephen's Minister, she assisted her church family with their emotional needs through a Christian based support system. After taking part in a Walk to Emmaus, she was faithful to her Reunion Group and volunteered as an Emmaus team member.  She joyfully participated in many church activities, including service on boards and committees.  Her notable dedication to the food pantry received public recognition.

Jan loved her family. She took joy in watching her sister Carol and Carol's late husband Ron raise her niece and nephew. She watched them grow, graduate from college, and have families of their own. When Jan's mother's health began to fail, she moved her mother from Florida to Corpus Christi and assumed the role of caregiver.

Jan loved her friends. Her friends loved her.  Jan was a people magnet with a huge fan club.  Her infectious smile, engaging personality, kind disposition, gargantuan sense of humor, and generous ways led to deep friendships.  A master of hospitality, she hosted intimate and huge gatherings in her home while combining a friendly atmosphere with her culinary talents.  All were welcomed at her table.  She looked forward to monthly gatherings as a member of the Athenian Club and the Mahjong Club.  Domestic and foreign travel adventures with family and friends produced lasting memories and intriguing stories.

Jan loved her community.  Underscoring her lifelong commitment to patient advocacy and community health, she gave of her time and talents to local organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas.

Jan loved art. Her personal creativity and penchant for bright colors found expression in her production of watercolor, sculpture, and fiber arts creations.   Her regular attendance at area art shows was marked with a keen eye for supporting local artists.

Jan is survived by her sister Carol Swope of Beverly Hills, Michigan; niece Holly Ann Swope and husband Philip Hayes with daughters Lucy and Charlotte Swope Hays, all of Pacific Palisades, California; and nephew R. Bradley Swope and wife Betsy with sons Henry and Dexter, all of Beverly Hills, Michigan.  Jan's parents predeceased her.

Also mourning Jan are countless friends and colleagues who are left stunned and heavy hearted at her unexpected passing.  Fond memories of good works and good times remain as solace to those whose lives she indelibly touched.  Those who are processing the loss and missing her dearly are calmed, knowing that Jan's signature spirit of grace and grit will live forever in their hearts and minds.   Jan's favorite lyrics from Hymn of Promise are also God's reminders that eternity, resurrection, and victory over the grave will be revealed in due time.  All will meet again when the season is right.

A special nod of deep gratitude is due to the vast team of health care professionals from Christus Spohn Hospital, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Mirador Skilled Nursing facility, Gentiva Hospice of Corpus Christi, and her personal medical advisors.   Jan received specialized and compassionate care from everyone who treated her and attended to her delicate health needs.

I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race.  I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7

A Service of Praise and Thanksgiving in Celebration for the Life of Janice Lynne Kottke will be officiated by Pastor Pamela Dykehouse at First United Methodist Church , 900 South Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78401, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm .  A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.  Those wishing to make a contribution in Jan's memory are invited to consider her home church, First United Methodist Church (www.ccfumc.com ; phone 361-884-0391; fax 361-883-6444).  Honoring Jan's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Guardian Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Corpus Christi, Texas (www.guardianfhcremation.com ).