In Memory of Janet Fitch

Janet Mary (Sharkey) Fitch, age 69, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on July 26, 2026, with family and friends near her, after spending the last year of her life bravely fighting cancer.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Celebration of Life Speakers at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Battle Creek Fire Station in Battle Creek, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Battle Creek, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

In lieu of flowers, Janet requested that donations be made in support of animal rescue and pet shelters. Memorial donations may be made to Noah’s Hope Animal Rescue in Sioux City, Iowa, or City Dogs Rescue in Washington, D.C.

Janet Mary (Sharkey) Fitch was born on August 15, 1956, in Ida County, Iowa, to Earl Sharkey and Margaret (Shanks) Sharkey. She graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1974. On Valentine’s Day in 1976, she married Craig Fitch at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. Craig and Janet shared 50 years of marriage, a life built together through love, family, home, work, and friendship.

In 1980, Janet welcomed her first and only son, Ryan. Although Janet was a private person, those closest to her knew that she loved deeply. Her family was incredibly important to her, especially her nieces and nephews. Though she did not have grandchildren of her own, Janet loved children and was always willing to help behind the scenes. After her retirement, she helped with projects for Ryan’s music students and classroom, adding her creativity, care, and artistic touch to things that brought joy to children she had never even met.

The Battle Creek Fire Department was also an important part of life for the Fitch family. Janet appreciated being part of the Fireman’s Wives group, where she enjoyed friendships, traditions, and the many ways the group supported one another and the community. She especially enjoyed participating in Secret Pal and made many lasting friends through her connection to the fire department family.

Janet was a talented artist and maker. She loved crafts, woodworking, decorating her home, baking, and making holidays feel special. Her home reflected her creativity and warmth, especially during the seasons she loved most. Friends and family will especially remember Janet’s love of the Fourth of July and the beloved tradition of gathering at her and Craig’s home for hot dogs, games, fireworks, and time together.

Janet also had a great love for animals and was a dedicated supporter of animal rights and pet rescue. For many years, she volunteered at local animal shelters, cleaning kennels, walking and feeding dogs, and helping make sure each animal had a safe and caring place to stay while waiting for a home. She also became what many in rescue lovingly call a “foster failure” when she intended to foster her most recent dogs, Izzy and Becca, but once they came home, they never went back.

Throughout her life, Janet worked at many places across Northwest Iowa and made lifelong friends along the way. She was especially gifted with numbers, and at the time of her retirement, she was managing billing for Barry Motors in Danbury, Iowa. Wherever she worked, Janet was dependable, capable, and quietly devoted to doing things well.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Margaret Sharkey; and her brothers Larry, Jack, and Les Sharkey.

She is survived by her husband Craig Fitch of Battle Creek, IA; son Ryan Fitch of Alexandria, VA; brother Kenny Sharkey; sister Shirley Danielson and her husband Gary of Jefferson, IA; brother Chuck Sharkey and wife Dee; sister Lavon Houk and husband Art of Arthur, IA; many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Janet’s life was one of quiet devotion, creativity, loyalty, friendship, and love. She will be remembered for the beauty she created, the animals she helped, the home she made, the family she cherished, the community she was part of, and the many small acts of kindness that showed who she truly was.