Janice Mae Schnittger

Janice (Jan) Watts Schnittger was born near Armstrong, IA, on February 16, 1938, the daughter of Allen Ray Watts and Esther Burt Watts. She passed away on March, 18, 2022, in Solomons, MD, at the age of 84.

Jan grew up and attended Halfa School in Halfa, IA. She completed high school in Ringsted, IA, and graduated in 1955. She attended Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University - Mankato) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education.

Following college, Jan was employed as a teacher in Gruver, IA, where she taught junior high school for two years. After that, she was an accountant for Tony Downs in St. James, MN, for 10 years.

On July 20, 1968, Jan married Wayne Schnittger (deceased) in Armstrong, IA. They lived in St. James, MN, and Fairmont, MN, before moving to Colorado Springs, CO, where she lived for 37 years. It was in Colorado Springs that Jan began working as a volunteer for the U.S. Olympic Committee. She quickly moved from volunteer to valued employee for the next 25 years. While there, she successfully managed the coaching and development programs and met many wonderful coaches from a wide range of sports. Another major accomplishment was Jan set up and directed the U.S. Olympic Committee intern program, which was always in the top 100 internships in the U.S. During her tenure, Jan was beloved by many interns and remained close friends throughout the years with many of them.

Jan also loved volunteering in the community. Over her lifetime, she dedicated much of her time to volunteering for many causes that were important to her, such as volunteering for the Martin County, MN, DFL; the Girl Scouts; the American Cross; the U.S. Olympic Committee; and working with developmentally disabled children.

In 2020, Jan moved to Solomons, MD, to be closer to her daughter, Sara Schnittger, and son-in-law, Gerald Hehe. She enjoyed having a water view, playing 500 and canasta, and being able to spend time with them. She especially enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the water.

Left to cherish her memory in addition to her daughter, Sara, and Sara’s husband, Gerald Hehe of Solomons, MD, are several nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen Ray Watts and Esther Burt Watts; her husband, Wayne Schnittger; her brothers, John and Ivan Watts; and her sister, Burneile Watts Madison.

A private celebration of life and internment of her ashes at Armstrong Grove Cemetery, Armstrong, IA, will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Ringsted Community Improvement Org. Museum - Halfa Exhibit (checks payable to RCIO - Museum) 414 S. 2nd St., Ringsted, IA 50578.