Janice Utech

Janice Utech, 68, Emporia, Kansas, passed away at Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center, Topeka, Kansas on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Janice Thiessen was born at Marion, Kansas on June 18, 1958, the daughter of Nick and Delna (Tillery) Thiessen. Jan married Michael Utech in Americus, Kansas on March 7, 1998. He survives. Other survivors include her sons, Nate Bowen, Emporia, Kansas, Cole Bowen, Wichita, Kansas, Tanner Bowen, Americus, Kansas, and Benjamin and Jaxson Bowen, Emporia, Kansas, her sister; Marsha Bouse, Emporia, and grandson; Brayden Bowen, whom she raised and granddaughter; Hayley.

She was a Realtor, Broker, and Co-owner of ReMax, Ek Real Estate in Emporia. She was a Board member of the Kansas Realtors Association, Sunflower Association of Realtors, Altrusa, the Regional Development Board of Directors, Flint Hills Regional Quilt Guild, and Messiah Lutheran Church, where she was a member of LOGOS. She was a graduate of Chase County High School in the class of 1976.

Jan was a very caring person who loved family, friends, church, flowers, books, and long walks. She enjoyed her career in real estate and the relationships – friends she met along the way. She was a very giving person who made sure her family was taken care of…. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be at the Messiah Lutheran Church, Emporia, at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The family will receive friends at the church Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Memorials have been established with the Messiah Lutheran Church of the Emporia Public Library. Contributions may be made through Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801, whish is in charge of arrangements.